#AmericanWriters
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.
Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think
I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
I play it cool I dig all jive. That's the reason I stay alive. My motto
Harlem Sent him home in a long box— Too dead To know why:
Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be. Let it be the pioneer on the plain Seeking a home where he himself is… (America never was America to me.…
Here I sit With my shoes mismated. Lawdy—mercy! I’s frustrated!
How quiet It is in this sick room Where on the bed A silent woman lies between two lo… Life and Death,
God in His infinite wisdom Did not make me very wise— So when my actions are stupid They hardly take God by surprise
Democracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear. I have as much right
How still, How strangely still The water is today, It is not good For water
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams
Landlord, landlord, My roof has sprung a leak. Don’t you 'member I told you abou… Way last week? Landlord, landlord,
Love Is a ripe plum Growing on a purple tree. Taste it once And the spell of its enchantment
I will take you heart. I will take your soul out of your… As though I were God. I will not be satisfied With the touch of your hand