#AmericanWriters
In places like Selma, Alabama, Kids say, In places like Chicago and New York...
You say I O.K.ed LONG DISTANCE? O.K.ed it when? My goodness, Central That was then!
Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think
Goin’ down the road, Lawd, Goin’ down the road. Down the road, Lawd, Way, way down the road. Got to find somebody
She, In the dark, Found light Brighter than many ever see. She,
Down in the bass That steady beat Walking walking walking Like marching feet. Down in the bass
I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John,
Here I sit With my shoes mismated. Lawdy—mercy! I’s frustrated!
Being walkers with the dawn and mo… Walkers with the sun and morning, We are not afraid of night, Nor days of gloom, Nor darkness—
I live on a park bench. You, Park Avenue. Hell of a distance Between us two. I beg a dime for dinner—
God in His infinite wisdom Did not make me very wise— So when my actions are stupid They hardly take God by surprise
I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
He glides so swiftly Back into the grass— Gives me the courtesy of road To let me pass, That I am half ashamed
I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh,
When you turn the corner And you run into yourself Then you know that you have turned All the corners that are left