#AmericanWriters
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—
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
In places like Selma, Alabama, Kids say, In places like Chicago and New York...
Love Is a ripe plum Growing on a purple tree. Taste it once And the spell of its enchantment
I am God— Without one friend, Alone in my purity World without end. Below me young lovers
The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
Landlord, landlord, My roof has sprung a leak. Don’t you 'member I told you abou… Way last week? Landlord, landlord,
You sicken me with lies, With truthful lies. And with your pious faces. And your wide, out—stretched, mock—welcome, Christian hands.
I dream a world where man No other man will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn I dream a world where all
I went to the Gypsy’s. Gypsy settin’ all alone. I said, Tell me, Gypsy, When will my gal be home? Gypsy said, Silver,
Have you dug the spill Of Sugar Hill? Cast your gims On this sepia thrill: Brown sugar lassie,
And that is what poetry may do, wrap up your dreams, protect and preserve and hold them until maybe they come true. Columbus dreamed of finding a new world, he found it. Edison dreamed ...
I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh,
Goin’ down the road, Lawd, Goin’ down the road. Down the road, Lawd, Way, way down the road. Got to find somebody
I will take you heart. I will take your soul out of your… As though I were God. I will not be satisfied With the touch of your hand