Poem

Ah, stern harsh world, that in the wretched way / Of poverty, dishonor and disgrace, / Has pushed the timid little feet of clay, / The sacred brown feet of my fallen race!

Harlem Shadows; McKay

Thump, thump, thump went his foot on the floor. / He played a few chords then he sang some more

The weary blues; Langston Hughes

I will confess / I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!

America; McKay

I am the darker brother. / they send me to eat in the kitchen / When company comes. . .

I, too;  Langston Hughes

I live here, too. / I want freedom / Just as you.

Democracy; Langston Hughes

Love is a naked shadow / On a gnarled and naked tree.

Song for a Dark Girl; Langston Hughes

Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack, / Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!

If We Must Die; McKay

Democracy will not come / Today, this year / Nor ever / Through compromise and fear.

Democracy; Langston Hughes

You’ve taken my blues and gone

Note on Commercial Theatre; Langston Hughes

Her vigor flows like tides into my blood, / Giving me strength erect against her hate.

America; McKay

Oh kinsmen! We must meet the common foe!

If We Must Die; McKay

I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.

Democracy; Langston Hughes

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

The N-egro Speaks of Rivers; Langston Hughes

Besides, / They’ll see how beautiful I am / And be ashamed

I, Too; Langston Hughes

I see the shapes of girls who pass / to bend and barter at desire’s call

Harlem Shadows; McKay

Sweet Blues! / Coming from a black man’s soul.

The Weary Blues; Langston Hughes

So boy, don’t you turn back. / Don’t you set down on the steps / ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard

Mother to son; Langston Hughes

Ask me who am I.

Visitors to the Black Belt; Langston Hughes

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Mother to Son; Langston Hughes

But someday somebody’ll / Stand up and talk about me, / And write about me - / Black and beautiful

Note on Commercial Theatre; Langston Hughes