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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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Madam and the Census Man

The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
Children's Rhymes

By what sends the white kids I ain’t sent: I know I can’t be President.
 1
For Selma

In places like Selma, Alabama, Kids say, In places like Chicago and New York...
Harlem Sweeties

Have you dug the spill Of Sugar Hill? Cast your gims On this sepia thrill: Brown sugar lassie,
 2
Brass Spittoons

Clean the spittoons, boy. Detroit, Chicago, Atlantic City, Palm Beach.
 1
Sea Calm

How still, How strangely still The water is today, It is not good For water
 1
Bound No’th Blues

Goin’ down the road, Lawd, Goin’ down the road. Down the road, Lawd, Way, way down the road. Got to find somebody
My People

The night is beautiful, So the faces of my people. The stars are beautiful, So the eyes of my people. Beautiful, also, is the sun.
 2
A Mother with her Son and a Pony, by Agostino Brunias
Mother to Son

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,
 5
Life Is Fine

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!
 3
I Continue to Dream

I take my dreams and make of them… and a round fountain with a beauti… And a song with a broken heart and… Do you understand my dreams? Sometimes you say you do,
Let America be America Again

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.…
Park Bench

I live on a park bench. You, Park Avenue. Hell of a distance Between us two. I beg a dime for dinner—
 1
 3
Songs

I sat there singing her Songs in the dark. She said; 'I do not understand The words’.
 1
Dinner Guest: Me

I know I am The Negro Problem Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions That come to white mind



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