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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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Altre opere di Langston Hughes...
Acceptance

God in His infinite wisdom Did not make me very wise— So when my actions are stupid They hardly take God by surprise
Ennui

It’s such a Bore Being always Poor.
 2
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
Negro Dancers

'Me an’ ma baby’s Got two mo’ ways, Two mo’ ways to do de Charleston!… Da, da, Da, da, da!
I look at the world

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.
 1
Remember

Remember The days of bondage— And remembering— Do not stand still. Go to the highest hill
Harlem Sweeties

Have you dug the spill Of Sugar Hill? Cast your gims On this sepia thrill: Brown sugar lassie,
 2
Po' Boy Blues

When I was home de Sunshine seemed like gold. When I was home de Sunshine seemed like gold. Since I come up North de
Madam and the Rent Man

The rent man knocked. He said, Howdy—do? I said, What Can I do for you? He said, You know
 1
 2
A Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run?
 2
Merry-Go-Round

Where is the Jim Crow section On this merry—go—round, Mister, cause I want to ride? Down South where I come from White and colored
Helen Adams Keller, by Charles Whitman
Helen Keller

She, In the dark, Found light Brighter than many ever see. She,
 2
Final Curve

When you turn the corner And you run into yourself Then you know that you have turned All the corners that are left
Cross

My old man’s a white old man And my old mother’s black. If ever I cursed my white old man I take my curses back. If ever I cursed my black old mot…
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



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