#AmericanWriters
I worked for a woman, She wasn’t mean— But she had a twelve—room House to clean. Had to get breakfast,
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.
You say I O.K.ed LONG DISTANCE? O.K.ed it when? My goodness, Central That was then!
I went to the Gypsy’s. Gypsy settin’ all alone. I said, Tell me, Gypsy, When will my gal be home? Gypsy said, Silver,
When the shoe strings break On both your shoes And you’re in a hurry— That’s the blues. When you go to buy a candy bar
My name is Johnson— Madam Alberta K. The Madam stands for business. I’m smart that way. I had a
Listen! Dear dream of utter aliveness— Touching my body of utter death— Tell me, O quickly! dream of aliv… The flaming source of your bright…
I am God— Without one friend, Alone in my purity World without end. Below me young lovers
Fine living . . . a la carte? Come to the Waldorf—Astoria! LISTEN HUNGRY ONES! Look! See what Vanity Fair says… new Waldorf—Astoria:
I catch the pattern Of your silence Before you speak I do not need To hear a word.
She, In the dark, Found light Brighter than many ever see. She,
Democracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear. I have as much right
Have you dug the spill Of Sugar Hill? Cast your gims On this sepia thrill: Brown sugar lassie,
I was so sick last night I Didn’t hardly know my mind. So sick last night I Didn’t know my mind. I drunk some bad licker that
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run?