The poem begins with the speaker describing a game of hopscotch, instructing the players about the rules, or perhaps reminding themselves of the rules. They command the player to put a foot down before hopping, moving quickly because the pavement is hot. They then add that there are many good things to be had for people who already have plenty, through money or social capital. They tell the players to jump to the left before reminding them that everyone must fend for themselves.
Next, they command the players to jump up before putting both feet down, and then tell them, since they are Black, that they can't stay still or stick around. There's no food left, the speaker says, and rent is due, so the only reasonable reaction is to curse, cry, and then get on with the game by jumping twice.
Now, the speaker explains, everybody is out of work—but returning to the rules of hopscotch, they tell the players to hold still for three counts before moving again, this time with unnatural twisting. If you cross the hopscotch court's line, the speaker reminds players, you'll be out of the game. That's the fundamental rule of hopscotch.
When both your feet are flat on the ground, the game has ended. By bringing about the end of the game, you'll look, to the other players, like you've lost it. But, the speaker says, by opting to exit the game, they feel that they have actually won it.
