Madam's Past History, by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes

Madam's Past History

My name is Johnson—

Madam Alberta K.

The Madam stands for business.

I’m smart that way.

I had a

HAIR—DRESSING PARLOR

Before

The depression put

The prices lower.

Then I had a

BARBECUE STAND

Till I got mixed up

With a no—good man.

Cause I had a insurance

The WPA

Said, We can’t use you

Wealthy that way.

I said,

DON’T WORRY 'BOUT ME!

Just like the song,

You WPA folks take care of yourself—

And I’ll get along.

I do cooking,

Day’s work, too!

Alberta K. Johnson—

Madam to you.

#Americans #Blacks

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Langston Hughes

Madam's Past History

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