#Americans #Blacks
I know I am The Negro Problem Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions That come to white mind
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—
The calm, Cool face of the river Asked me for a kiss.
I worked for a woman, She wasn’t mean— But she had a twelve—room House to clean. Had to get breakfast,
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…
I got to leave this town. It’s a lonesome place. Got to leave this town cause It’s a lonesome place. A po’, po’ boy can’t
He glides so swiftly Back into the grass— Gives me the courtesy of road To let me pass, That I am half ashamed
The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
She, In the dark, Found light Brighter than many ever see. She,
From Christ to Ghandi Appears this truth— St. Francis of Assisi Proves it, too: Goodness becomes grandeur
Only dumb guys fight. If I wasn’t dumb I wouldn’t be fightin’. I could make six dollars a day On the docks
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.
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams
Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think
My name is Johnson— Madam Alberta K. The Madam stands for business. I’m smart that way. I had a