Sunday, January 18, 2009

I, Too, Sing America

Langston Hughes


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.

I believe the day has finally arrived when "the darker brother" can eat in the dining room at the head of the table. It's about time. Amen.

2 comments:

Jenster said...

This poem is timeless - or maybe timely is the better word. :o)

Bob & Muffintop said...

This poem is both, I agree. Langston Hughes is one of my favorite writers, I think.