#AmericanWriters
I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John,
I look at the world From awakening eyes in a black fac… And this is what I see: This fenced—off narrow space Assigned to me.
Goin’ down the road, Lawd, Goin’ down the road. Down the road, Lawd, Way, way down the road. Got to find somebody
I’m all alone in this world, she s… Ain’t got nobody to share my bed, Ain’t got nobody to hold my hand— The truth of the matter’s I ain’t got no man.
Night funeral In Harlem: Where did they get Them two fine cars? Insurance man, he did not pay—
The ivory gods, And the ebony gods, And the gods of diamond and jade, Sit silently on their temple shelv… While the people
I live on a park bench. You, Park Avenue. Hell of a distance Between us two. I beg a dime for dinner—
When a man starts out with nothing… When a man starts out with his han… Empty, but clean, When a man starts to build a world… He starts first with himself
Here I sit With my shoes mismated. Lawdy—mercy! I’s frustrated!
Landlord, landlord, My roof has sprung a leak. Don’t you 'member I told you abou… Way last week? Landlord, landlord,
You sicken me with lies, With truthful lies. And with your pious faces. And your wide, out—stretched, mock—welcome, Christian hands.
I catch the pattern Of your silence Before you speak I do not need To hear a word.
Good morning, daddy! Ain’t you heard The boogie—woogie rumble Of a dream deferred? Listen closely:
You say I O.K.ed LONG DISTANCE? O.K.ed it when? My goodness, Central That was then!
been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between 'em they done