#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—
I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
By what sends the white kids I ain’t sent: I know I can’t be President.
I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John,
Let’s go see Old Abe Sitting in the marble and the moon… Sitting lonely in the marble and t… Quiet for ten thousand centuries,… Quiet for a million, million years…
I know I am The Negro Problem Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions That come to white mind
He glides so swiftly Back into the grass— Gives me the courtesy of road To let me pass, That I am half ashamed
Oh, silver tree! Oh, shining rivers of the soul! In a Harlem cabaret Six long—headed jazzers play. A dancing girl whose eyes are bold
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run?
Tell all my mourners To mourn in red — Cause there ain’t no sense In my bein’ dead.
Good morning, daddy! Ain’t you heard The boogie—woogie rumble Of a dream deferred? Listen closely:
I play it cool I dig all jive. That's the reason I stay alive. My motto
Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal… It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up,
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.
Harlem Sent him home in a long box— Too dead To know why: