#AmericanWriters
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run?
That Justice is a blind goddess Is a thing to which we black are w… Her bandage hides two festering so… That once perhaps were eyes.
The calm, Cool face of the river Asked me for a kiss.
The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
I take my dreams and make of them… and a round fountain with a beauti… And a song with a broken heart and… Do you understand my dreams? Sometimes you say you do,
In an envelope marked: PERSONAL God addressed me a letter. In an envelope marked: PERSONAL
My name is Johnson— Madam Alberta K. The Madam stands for business. I’m smart that way. I had a
I was so sick last night I Didn’t hardly know my mind. So sick last night I Didn’t know my mind. I drunk some bad licker that
God in His infinite wisdom Did not make me very wise— So when my actions are stupid They hardly take God by surprise
It was a long time ago. I have almost forgotten my dream. But it was there then, In front of me, Bright like a sun—
been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between 'em they done
I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John,
I look at the world From awakening eyes in a black fac… And this is what I see: This fenced—off narrow space Assigned to me.
I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams
Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think