2 and 2 are 4.

To whirl and to danceTill the white day is done.Then rest at cool eveningBeneath a tall treeWhile night comes on gently,Dark like me-That is my dream!To fling my arms wideIn the face of the sun,Dance! Whirl! Whirl!Till the quick day is done.Rest at pale evening…A tall, slim tree…Night coming tenderlyBlack like me.

So sick last night IDidn’t know my mind.I drunk some bad licker thatAlmost made me blind.Had a dream last night IThought I was in hell.I drempt last night IThought I was in hell.Woke up and looked around me—Babe, your mouth was open like a well.I said, Baby! Baby!Please don’t snore so loud.Baby! Please!Please don’t snore…

Mister, cause I want to ride?Down South where I come fromWhite and coloredCan’t sit side by side.Down South on the trainThere’s a Jim Crow car.On the bus we’re put in the back—But there ain’t no backTo a merry-go-round!Where’s the horseFor a kid that’s black?

Her bandage hides two festering soresThat once perhaps were eyes.

Wanted my nameTo put it down.I said, Johnson,Alberta K.But he hated to writeThe K that way.He said, WhatDoes K stand for?I said, K–And nothing more.He said, I’m gonna put itKÐAÐY.I said, If you do,You lie.My mother christened meAlberta K.You leave my nameJust that way!He said, Mrs.,(With a snort)Just a KMakes your name too short.I said,…

I said, WhatCan I do for you?He said, You knowYour rent is due.I said, Listen,Before I’d payI’d go to HadesAnd rot away!The sink is broke,The water don’t run,And you ain’t done a thingYou promised to’ve done.Back window’s cracked,Kitchen floor squeaks,There’s rats in the cellar,And the attic leaks.He said, Madam,It’s not up to me.I’m just the…