#AmericanWriters
My name is Johnson— Madam Alberta K. The Madam stands for business. I’m smart that way. I had a
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—
Night funeral In Harlem: Where did they get Them two fine cars? Insurance man, he did not pay—
I worked for a woman, She wasn’t mean— But she had a twelve—room House to clean. Had to get breakfast,
From Christ to Ghandi Appears this truth— St. Francis of Assisi Proves it, too: Goodness becomes grandeur
When Susanna Jones wears red her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown by the ages. Come with a blast of trumphets, J… When Susanna Jones wears red
I’m all alone in this world, she s… Ain’t got nobody to share my bed, Ain’t got nobody to hold my hand— The truth of the matter’s I ain’t got no man.
God in His infinite wisdom Did not make me very wise— So when my actions are stupid They hardly take God by surprise
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
I sat there singing her Songs in the dark. She said; 'I do not understand The words’.
I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
Only dumb guys fight. If I wasn’t dumb I wouldn’t be fightin’. I could make six dollars a day On the docks
You say I O.K.ed LONG DISTANCE? O.K.ed it when? My goodness, Central That was then!
The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
Tell all my mourners To mourn in red — Cause there ain’t no sense In my bein’ dead.