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,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
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LANGSTON HUGHES
Ballad of the Landlord
_1940_
*
Landlord, landlord,
My roof has sprung a leak.
Don’t you ’member I told you about it Way last week?
Landlord, landlord,
These steps is broken down. When you come up yourself
It’s a wonder you don’t fall down.
Ten Bucks you say I owe you?
Ten Bucks you say is due?
Well, that’s Ten Bucks more’n I’ll pay you Till you fix this house up new.
What? You gonna get eviction orders? You gonna cut off my heat?
You gonna take my furniture and Throw it in the street?
Um-huh! You talking high and mighty. Talk on ⎯ till you get through.
You ain’t gonna be able to say a word If I land my fist on you.
Police! Police!
Come and get this man!
He’s trying to ruin the government And overturn the land!
Copper’s whistle! Patrol bell! Arrest.
Precinct Station. Iron cell. Headlines in press:
MAN THREATENS LANDLORD
TENANT HELD NO BAIL
JUDGE GIVES NEGRO 90 DAYS IN COUNTY JAIL.