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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

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Otras obras de Langston Hughes...
For Selma

In places like Selma, Alabama, Kids say, In places like Chicago and New York...
Silence

I catch the pattern Of your silence Before you speak I do not need To hear a word.
 2
Sick Room

How quiet It is in this sick room Where on the bed A silent woman lies between two lo… Life and Death,
50-50

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.
Still Here

been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between 'em they done
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
The Weary Blues

Droning a drowsy syncopated tune, Rocking back and forth to a mellow… I heard a Negro play. Down on Lenox Avenue the other ni… By the pale dull pallor of an old…
Daybreak in Alabama

When I get to be a composer I’m gonna write me some music abou… Daybreak in Alabama And I’m gonna put the purtiest so… Rising out of the ground like a sw…
 1
The Negro Speaks of Rivers

I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the w… My soul has grown deep like the ri… I bathed in the Euphrates when da… I built my hut near the Congo and…
 2
I, Too

I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh,
 1
Wealth

From Christ to Ghandi Appears this truth— St. Francis of Assisi Proves it, too: Goodness becomes grandeur
When Sue Wears Red

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
Bouquet

Gather quickly Out of darkness All the songs you know And throw them at the sun Before they melt
Personal

In an envelope marked: PERSONAL God addressed me a letter. In an envelope marked: PERSONAL
 1
Lonesome Place

I got to leave this town. It’s a lonesome place. Got to leave this town cause It’s a lonesome place. A po’, po’ boy can’t
 1



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