#AmericanWriters
I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn’t, So I jumped in and sank. I came up once and hollered!
Democracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear. I have as much right
I went to the Gypsy’s. Gypsy settin’ all alone. I said, Tell me, Gypsy, When will my gal be home? Gypsy said, Silver,
I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the w… flow of human blood in human veins My soul has grown deep like the ri… I bathed in the Euphrates when da…
That Justice is a blind goddess Is a thing to which we black are w… Her bandage hides two festering so… That once perhaps were eyes.
Gather quickly Out of darkness All the songs you know And throw them at the sun Before they melt
I was so sick last night I Didn’t hardly know my mind. So sick last night I Didn’t know my mind. I drunk some bad licker that
Big Boy came Carrying a mermaid On his shoulders And the mermaid Had her tail
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run?
He glides so swiftly Back into the grass— Gives me the courtesy of road To let me pass, That I am half ashamed
You and your whole race. Look down upon the town in which y… And be ashamed. Look down upon white folks And upon yourselves
Remember The days of bondage— And remembering— Do not stand still. Go to the highest hill
Landlord, landlord, My roof has sprung a leak. Don’t you 'member I told you abou… Way last week? Landlord, landlord,
The calm, Cool face of the river Asked me for a kiss.
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams