Langston Hughes

Where on the bedA silent woman lies between two lovers-Life and Death,And all three covered with a sheet of pain.

She said;‘I do not understandThe words’.I said;‘There areNo words’.

Found lightBrighter than many ever see.She,Within herself,Found loveliness,Through the soul’s own mastery.And now the world receivesFrom her dower:The message of the strengthOf inner power.

Dear Fellow Americans,I write this letterHoping times will be betterWhen this warIs through.I’m a Tan-skinned YankDriving a tank.I ask, WILL V-DAYBE ME-DAY, TOO?I wear a U. S. uniform.I’ve done the enemy much harm,I’ve driven backThe Germans and the Japs,From Burma to the Rhine.On every battle line,I’ve dropped defeatInto the Fascists’ laps.I am a Negro AmericanOut…

flow of human blood in human veinsMy soul has grown deep like the rivers.I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were youngI built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincolnwent down to…

Nor everThrough compromise and fear.I have as much rightAs the other fellow hasTo standOn my two feetAnd own the land.I tire so of hearing people say,Let things take their course.Tomorrow is another day.I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.FreedomIs a strong seedPlantedIn a great need.I live here, too.I…

You and your whole race.Look down upon the town in which you liveAnd be ashamed.Look down upon white folksAnd upon yourselvesAnd be ashamedThat such supine poverty exists there,That such stupid ignorance breeds children thereBehind such humble shelters of despair—That you yourselves have not the sense to careNor the manhood to stand up and sayI dare…

Myself a house to buy.I work all day,Said Simple John,But Pierrot wondered why.For Pierrrot loved the long white road,And Pierrot loved the moon,And Pierrot loved a star-filled sky,And the breath of a rose in June.I have one wife,Said Simple John,And,faith,I love her yet.I have one wife,Said Simple John,But Pierrot left Pierrette.For Pierrot saw a world…

Touching my body of utter death-Tell me, O quickly! dream of aliveness,The flaming source of your bright breath.Tell me, O dream of utter aliveness-Knowing so well the wind and the sun-Where is this lightYour eyes see forever?And what is the windYou touch when you run?

Walking walking walkingLike marching feet.Down in the bassThey easy roll,Rolling like I like itIn my soul.Riffs, smears, breaks.Hey, Lawdy Mama!Do you hear what I said?Easy like I rock itIn my bed!