#Americans #Blacks
I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh,
In places like Selma, Alabama, Kids say, In places like Chicago and New York...
Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal… It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up,
You say I O.K.ed LONG DISTANCE? O.K.ed it when? My goodness, Central That was then!
Tell all my mourners To mourn in red — Cause there ain’t no sense In my bein’ dead.
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.
It would be nice In any case, To someday meet you Face to face Walking down
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!
Remember The days of bondage— And remembering— Do not stand still. Go to the highest hill
It was a long time ago. I have almost forgotten my dream. But it was there then, In front of me, Bright like a sun—
Have you dug the spill Of Sugar Hill? Cast your gims On this sepia thrill: Brown sugar lassie,
I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams
Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you— Then, it will be true. I wonder if it’s that simple?
I catch the pattern Of your silence Before you speak I do not need To hear a word.