Poeticous Logo
en
English Español Français Italiano
Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes

Madam's Past History

My name is Johnson—
Madam Alberta K.
The Madam stands for business.
I’m smart that way.
 
I had a
HAIR—DRESSING PARLOR
Before
The depression put
The prices lower.
 
Then I had a
BARBECUE STAND
Till I got mixed up
With a no—good man.
 
Cause I had a insurance
The WPA
Said, We can’t use you
Wealthy that way.
 
I said,
DON’T WORRY 'BOUT ME!
Just like the song,
You WPA folks take care of yourself—
And I’ll get along.
 
I do cooking,
Day’s work, too!
Alberta K. Johnson—
Madam to you.

#Americans #Blacks

Enjoyed this read? Treat us to a coffee!.
Your help allows us to exist.
Other works by Langston Hughes...
Freedom's Plow

When a man starts out with nothing… When a man starts out with his han… Empty, but clean, When a man starts to build a world… He starts first with himself
The Ballad of the Landlord

Landlord, landlord, My roof has sprung a leak. Don’t you 'member I told you abou… Way last week? Landlord, landlord,
 1
Dream Variations

To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening
Harlem Sweeties

Have you dug the spill Of Sugar Hill? Cast your gims On this sepia thrill: Brown sugar lassie,
 2
Justice

That Justice is a blind goddess Is a thing to which we black are w… Her bandage hides two festering so… That once perhaps were eyes.
 3
Theme for English B

Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you— Then, it will be true. I wonder if it’s that simple?
 1
 2
Sea Calm

How still, How strangely still The water is today, It is not good For water
 1
Love Song for Lucinda

Love Is a ripe plum Growing on a purple tree. Taste it once And the spell of its enchantment
Quiet Girl

I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
To Certain

You sicken me with lies, With truthful lies. And with your pious faces. And your wide, out—stretched, mock—welcome, Christian hands.
Po' Boy Blues

When I was home de Sunshine seemed like gold. When I was home de Sunshine seemed like gold. Since I come up North de
Ballad of the Gypsy

I went to the Gypsy’s. Gypsy settin’ all alone. I said, Tell me, Gypsy, When will my gal be home? Gypsy said, Silver,
 2
Cross

My old man’s a white old man And my old mother’s black. If ever I cursed my white old man I take my curses back. If ever I cursed my black old mot…
A Mother with her Son and a Pony, by Agostino Brunias
Mother to Son

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,
 5
Snake

He glides so swiftly Back into the grass— Gives me the courtesy of road To let me pass, That I am half ashamed
 1



Top