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Subject: AFRICAN AMERICANS Matches Found: 5453 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` "BLACK SPIRITUAL: ROLL, JORDAN, ROLL", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: My brudder sittin' on de tree of life Last Line: "o my soul arise in heaven, lord, / for yearde when jordan roll" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals "BLACK SPIRITUAL: SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT (1)", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "swing low, sweet chariot" Last Line: Coming for to carry me home Variant Title(s): "swing Low, Sweet Chariot; Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;american Civil War;black Songs;homecoming;u.s. - History; Negro Spirituals "BLACK SPIRITUAL: SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT (2)", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "oh, de good ole chariot swing so low" Last Line: "swing low, sweet chariot, / I don't want to leave me behind" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals "BLOW YOU TRUMPET, GABRIEL", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: De talles' trees in paradise Last Line: And I hope dat trump might blow me home / to de new jerusalem Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals "DO DOWN, MOSES", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: When israel was in egypt's land Last Line: O let my people go Variant Title(s): Jubilee Song;let My People Go Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals "JIM CRACK CORN, OR THE BLUE TAIL FLY", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: When I was young I us'd to wait / on massa and hand him de plate Last Line: "I nebber forget till de day I die, / ole massa an' dat blue tail fly" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;flies;slavery; Negro Spirituals;serfs (WHAT DID I DO TO BE SO) BLACK AND BLUE, by THOMAS WALLER Poem Source First Line: Out on the street, %shufflin feet Last Line: They laugh at you and scorn you too. %what did I do to be so black and blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians 125TH STREET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Face like a chocolate bar Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks 125TH STREET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Face like a chocolate bar Last Line: Face like a melon, %grin that wide Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans 1962: VETERANS' DAY: UCLA STUDY REGIMEN: SOME INDIANA (HOOSIER KLAN REFLECTIONS), by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They are counting the names of the vietnam veterans names on the mall Subject(s): Lin, Maya (b. 1959); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (washington, D.c.); African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks 22-2-0 BLUES, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: If I send for my baby : and she don't come Last Line: And my forty-four : laying up and down my breast Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 3 6 AND 9, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Well hello there old gal : you sure looks fine Last Line: Fine old boy : he was tight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 31ST STREET BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Railroad take me back : got the thirty-first street blues Last Line: New york don't get me : chicago must Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 32-30 BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If I send for my baby : and she don't come Last Line: With this thirty-two twenty : laying up and down my breast Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 34 BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to tell nobody : thirty-four have done for me Last Line: Oh lord oh lord : let me see your brand new year Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (mood); Blues (music); Depressions, Economic; Music And Musicians 403 BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You lucky to be a spider Last Line: Must not of cared for me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans 44 BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: And now I walked all night long : with my forty-four in my hand Last Line: Lord I wake up every morning : the world be scratching on my door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 45 PISTOL BLUES, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: I'm going over to third alley : lord but I'm going to carry my forty-five Last Line: Because you know I done got shot once over there : lord it's about three or four times Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 49 HIGHWAY BLUES, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Well I'll get up in the morning : catch the highway forty-nine Last Line: Malvina she's my sweet woman : she on highway forty-nine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 4A HIGHWAY, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: My baby woke me up this morning : she told me she's joliet bound Last Line: I'd get on that four-a highway : and god knows I'd roll that highway down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) 50-50, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm all alone in this world, she said Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks 50-50, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm all alone in this world, she said Last Line: He said, share your bed %and your money, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans 70'S, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Will be the days Last Line: Having lost some %begun much Subject(s): Abortion; African Americans - Women 8-AUG, by NORMAN JORDAN Poem Source First Line: There is no break Last Line: And this paper with you Subject(s): African Americans 80 HIGHWAY BLUES, by SON BONDS Poem Source First Line: Sitting down here thinking : yes babe I believe I better go Last Line: Baby now I just open up my chiffrobe : and you'll see where my dollar lies Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) A BLACK MAN TALKS OF REAPING, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have sown beside all waters in my day Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A BLACK SOLDIER REMEMBERS, by HORACE COLEMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My saigon daughter I saw only once Alternate Author Name(s): Shaka Aku Shango Subject(s): African Americans; Soldiers; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975; Negroes; American Blacks A BOY'S SUMMER SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis fine to play Last Line: Ha, ha! Subject(s): African Americans; Summer; Negroes; American Blacks A BRONZEVILLE MOTHER LOITERS IN MISSISSIPPI, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the first it had been like a / ballad Subject(s): African Americans - Women A BROWN GIRL DEAD, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With two white roses on her breasts Last Line: To see herself tonight Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A CHRISTMAS GHOST, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The eve of christmas had arrived Last Line: He merely saw a ghost. Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Ghosts; Supernatural; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The A COMMON OCCURRENCE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lucindy, who you 'spose I seed Last Line: "he's pintly changed fah wus." Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A CONTRACT. (FOR THE DESTRUCTION AND REBUILDING OF PATERSON), by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Flesh, and cars, tar, dug holes beneath stone Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry A CORN SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: On the wide veranda white Last Line: Says de day is done. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Slavery; Serfs A DEATH SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Lay me down beneaf de willers in de grass Last Line: Ef I 's layin' 'mong de t'ings I 's allus knowed. Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The A DOMESTIC STORM, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm going to whoop you, sammy taylor Last Line: Guess you will, you rascal, you. Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives A DOUBLE STANDARD, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do you blame me that I loved him? Last Line: In man's cannot be right. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Hypocrisy A FAR CRY FROM AFRICA, by DEREK WALCOTT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A wind is ruffling the tawny pelt Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History; Ancestors & Ancestry; Black Heritage; Heritage; Heredity A FUNERAL POEM ON THE DEATH OF C.E., AN INFANT OF 12 MONTHS, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through airy roads he wings his instant flight Last Line: In pleasures without measure, without end. Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis Variant Title(s): A Poem On The Death Of Charles Eliot, Aged 12 Months Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Death - Children; Love - Loss Of; Mortality; Death - Babies A HERO OF SAN JUAN HILL, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Among the sick and wounded ones Last Line: Equality shall sit enthroned. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Spanish-american War (1898) A HOUSE IN TAOS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rain / thunder of the rain god Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A LITANY OF ATLANTA, by WILLIAM EDWARD BURGHARDT DU BOIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O silent god, thou whose voice in mist and mystery hath left our ears Last Line: Selah! Alternate Author Name(s): Du Bois, W. E. B. Subject(s): African Americans; Lynching; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry A MONA LISA, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I should like to creep Last Line: In their depths? Subject(s): African Americans - Women A MULATTO SINGING, by GRADY MCCARTY LONG Poem Text First Line: Tall and lithe he stood there, swaying like a reed in the wind Last Line: In the agony of death. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music A NEGRO LOVE SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Seen my lady home las' night Last Line: Jump back, honey, jump back. Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Negroes; American Blacks A NEGRO SONG OF HOME, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tain't berry many people wat'll listen to a niggah Last Line: Frough de singin' ob de kettle on de hob. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Black Songs; Home; Negroes; American Blacks; Negro Spirituals A NEW REALITY IS BETTER THAN A NEW MOVIE!, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How will it go, crumbling earthquake, towering inferno, juggernaut, volcano, smashup Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A NOTE OF HUMILITY, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When all our hopes are sown on stony ground Last Line: An hour or two, but it will not be soon Subject(s): African Americans; Liberty; Time; Negroes; American Blacks A PARTING HYMN, by CHARLOTTE L. FORTEN GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When winter's royal robes of white Last Line: Are blest and freed from every thrall. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Commencement; Farewell; Graduation; Parting A PHOTOGRAPH, by NINA FARLEY WISHEK Poem Text First Line: Odd little, thin little brown little girl Last Line: Ever wear pretty dresses, have a wave and a curl? Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Photography & Photographers A PLANTATION MELODY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: De trees is bendin' in de st'om Last Line: Lay low in de wildaness. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Slavery; Serfs A PLANTATION SCENE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now all you picaninnies dar, come stan' up in er row Last Line: When I wuz onc't er little nig, en stood up in dat row. Subject(s): African Americans; Plantation Life; Negroes; American Blacks A POEM FOR BLACK HEARTS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For malcolm's eyes, when they broke Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks A POEM FOR BLACK RELOCATION CENTERS, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Flukum couldn't stand the strain. Flukum Last Line: The enemy far away on the other side of the sea Subject(s): African Americans – Military; Negroes; American Blacks A POEM FOR MYSELF, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was born in mississippi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A POEM SOME PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dull unwashed windows of eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Men; Negroes; American Blacks A RAT TRAP, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Onct erbout de hour uv midnight, stealin' chick-/ens by de dim light Last Line: En step on 'emnebber more. Subject(s): African Americans; Rats; Trapping & Trappers; Negroes; American Blacks; Traps; Snares; Trappers A SEPTEMBER NIGHT, by GEORGE MARION MCCLELLAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The full september moon sheds floods of light Last Line: I cannot sing, with loves I cannot speak. Subject(s): African Americans; Night; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Bedtime; South (u.s.) A SONG OF PRAISE, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You have not heard my love's dark throat Last Line: Discovers one as fair Subject(s): African Americans; Desire; Love; Negroes; American Blacks A SOUTHERN SCENE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Far in the land of sunny south Last Line: On those who doth on thee believe? Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; South (u.s.) A SPIRITUAL, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: De 'cession's stahted on de gospel way Last Line: But lif' up yo' haid w'en de king go by! Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music A WINTER TWILIGHT, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A silence slipping around like death Last Line: One star that I loved ere the fields went brown. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Evening; Sunset; Twilight A WOMAN SPEAKS, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Moon marked and touched by sun Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women A WRONG INFERENCE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Why, old uncle abe, if your tidings are true Last Line: "twas er ox an' er 'oman dat made de plow go." Subject(s): African Americans; Farm Life; Plowing & Plowmen; Progress; Negroes; American Blacks; Agriculture; Farmers A' WOULD BE' IMMIGRANT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Conjo celestine! Oh %he was going to panama Last Line: Twenty cents for a cup of tea Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs A, B, C (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: You'd better come out an' wuk lak me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AARDVARK, by JULIA FIELDS Poem Source First Line: Since %malcolm died Last Line: We never thought about before Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) ABE LINCOLN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, I know %you had a hard time in your life Last Line: Ain't just white %or black Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ABERDEEN MISSISSIPPI BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: I was over in aberdeen : on my way to new orleans Last Line: They been had the poor boy : all hobbled down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ABOUT GOD & THINGS, by WANDA COLEMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to have your child Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda Subject(s): African Americans; Man-woman Relationships; Negroes; American Blacks; Male-female Relations ACCEPTANCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God, in his infinite wisdom Last Line: They hardly take god by surprise Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ACCOUNTING, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nights too warm for tv Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping ACCOUNTING, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nights too warm for tv Last Line: The crawlspace filling up, packed solid %as any foundation Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping ADAM AND EVE, by TOMMIE BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: Because adam said to eve : *you been cute so cute* Last Line: You know by that : they must have shook that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ADAM AND EVE HAD THE BLUES, by HOCIEL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Eve called adam : and he got close to her side Last Line: You two have bit some fruit : from that forbidden tree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ADDITION (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: 7 x 7 + love = Last Line: 7 x 7 - love Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ADDITION (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Put 5 and 5 together Last Line: Come between -- %or men Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ADDRESS TO ETHIOPIA, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh ill-starred ethiopia Last Line: He'd prize one 'bove the other? Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ADMONITIONS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Boys / I don't promise you nothing Last Line: She don't have no sense Subject(s): African Americans - Women ADMONITIONS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Boys %I don't promise you nothing Last Line: She is a poet %she don't have no sense Subject(s): African Americans - Women ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE WALDORF-ASTORIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fine living...A la carte?? Last Line: Reservations: telephone el. 5-3000 Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Come To The Waldorf-astori Subject(s): African Americans; Waldorf-astoria Hotel, New York City ADVICE, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You were a sophist Last Line: Through the dusk softness %of my dream stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Women ADVICE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Folks, I'm telling you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ADVICE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Folks, I'm telling you Last Line: So get yourself a little loving %in between Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ADVICE TO YOUNG LADIES, by ANN PLATO Poem Text First Line: Day after day I sit and write Last Line: Be ever our desires. Subject(s): Advice; African Americans - Women; Human Behavior; Religion; Conduct Of Life; Human Nature; Theology AESTHETE IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Strange, %that in this nigger place Last Line: And found life - stepping on my feet! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AFRAID, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We cry among the skyscrapers Last Line: It is night, %and we are afraid Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AFRICA, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Thus she had lain Last Line: Although she has lain Subject(s): African Americans - History; Black Heritage AFRICA, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thus she had lain Last Line: Although she had lain Subject(s): African Americans - History AFRICA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Home / oh Last Line: All of my bones / remember Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Home; Memory; Negroes; American Blacks AFRICA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Home %oh Last Line: All of my bones %remember Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Home; Memory AFRICA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sleepy giant, %you've been resting awhile Last Line: The new stride %in your thighs Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AFRICAN SUNRUNNER, by WANDA WINBUSH Poem Source First Line: Run in warm sun Last Line: Back to the sun Subject(s): African Americans AFRICAN VILLAGE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In our beginnings our blackness was not thought so Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - History AFRICLAND, by OLIVER LAGRONE Poem Source First Line: From breasts %of africland Last Line: To drink a new worlds %breaking light Subject(s): African Americans - History AFRIKAN FLAG, by DEIDRA SUWANEE DEES Poem Source First Line: When she was a child Last Line: Making them accept their blame Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Identity AFRIKAN POET, ARISE, by WANDA WINBUSH Poem Source First Line: African griot %disguised by the american ghetto Last Line: To the ethereal ancestors %allegiance to afrika Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry And Poets AFRIKAN REVOLUTION, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Afrikan people all over the world %suffering from white domination Last Line: Work & study %struggle & victory Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism AFRO-AMERICAN FRAGMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So long, / so far away Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFRO-AMERICAN FRAGMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So long, %so far away Last Line: So far away %is africa's %dark face Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AFTER MANY SPRINGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now, %in june Last Line: I cannot find them any more Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AFTER READING BRYANT'S LINE TO A WATERFOWL, by ELOISE BIBB THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: No forward soul, ambition stung Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women AFTER THE JAPANESE, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Night turned over Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women AFTER THE QUARREL, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lindie, chile, fo' lawd sake, tell me Last Line: An' jest trot on yo' own track. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFTER WHILE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I walked around this world : ??? Last Line: I want you to let them know : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AFTER YOU'VE GONE, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Now listen honey : while I say Last Line: You'll miss the best pal : you ever had Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AFTERBLUES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFTERGLOW, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through you, I entered heaven and hell Last Line: To live it all again! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Memory AFTERIMAGES, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: However the image enters Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Jackson, Mississippi; Till, Emmett (1941-1955); Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry AILEY, BALDWIN, FLOYD, KILLENS, AND MAYFIELD, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When great trees fall Last Line: Better. For they existed Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AILEY, BALDWIN, FLOYD, KILLENS, AND MAYFIELD, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When great trees fall Last Line: We can be. Be and be %better. For they existed Subject(s): African Americans AIN'T GOIN' TO BE YOUR LOW DOWN DOG, by OLLIE RUPERT Poem Source First Line: I'm going to buy me a mansion : out on bunker hill Last Line: When the north wind blows : blows news everywhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AIN'T GOING TO DO LIKE I USED TO DO, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: I : ain't going to do like I used to do Last Line: I will start being nice : and keep you on my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AIN'T GOT NO PLACE TO LAY MY HEAD, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AIN'T I A WOMAN, by SOJOURNER TRUTH Poem Source First Line: That man over there say %a woman needs to be helped into carriages Last Line: Together women ought to be able to turn it rightside up again Subject(s): African Americans - Women AIN'T IT A PITY AND A SHAME, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Well that a pity and a shame : ways the women treats the men Last Line: Well now my little girl she quit me : mama now now shy did she run away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AIN'T NO TELLIN', by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: Don't you let : my good girl catch you here Last Line: Going to turn over : try it on this side Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AIN'T NO USE IN TRYING TO TELL ON ME, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Just as sure as this paper : sticks aside the wall Last Line: You don't give it to me : want to make me mad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AIN'T THAT BAD?, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dancin' the funky chicken Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AIR RAID OVER HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who you gonna put in it? Last Line: Look at me! %I'm harlem! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AIR RAID: BARCELONA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black smoke of sound Last Line: Men uncover bodies %from ruins of stone Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Air Warfare; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) AIRPLANE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: I'm going to get in my airplane : I'm going to ride all over I'm going to ride. Last Line: Now I will be your santa claus : even if my whiskers even if my whiskers is white Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AIRY MAN BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now *look here mr* ??? : *says you take a good drop* Last Line: You can iron my shirts : you can bless my soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALABAMA BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I tell you girls : and I'm going to tell you now Last Line: She's crying to me son : please son don't you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALABAMA BLUES--PART 1, by BILLY BIRD Poem Source First Line: Now t for texas : and t for tennessee Last Line: And I seen two monkeys : playing around after me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALABAMA BLUES--PART 2, by BILLY BIRD Poem Source First Line: I went up on a mountain : just to see what I could see Last Line: I looked in through the keyhole : there's another nigger in my stall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALABAMA EARTH (AT BOOKER WASHINGTON'S GRAVE), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Deep in alabama earth Last Line: Love -- and chains are broken Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - History; Alabama; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915) ALABAMA WAY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Way down yon'er 'in de alerbamer way' Last Line: Niggers' legs hang down fer de chicken t' roost on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ALABAMA WOMAN BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Did you ever go down : on the mobile and k c line Last Line: Don't my gal look good : when she's coming after me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALABAMA: 9/15/63, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Have you heard the one about Last Line: Is still too bright to hear them play? Subject(s): African Americans – Alabam ALAIN LEROY LOCKE (TEACHER OF AESTHETICS), by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: He has gone from the tower Last Line: So remembering, we vision the tower %urged by echoes of a learned man Subject(s): African Americans; Locke, Alain Leroy (1886-1954) ALBERTA, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Oh alberta oh alberta : don't you hear me calling you Last Line: Because she know she can take him : and raise him to hang Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALBERTA (FACTORY POEM/VARIATION 2), by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When my grandmother alberta was a girl Last Line: The smooth %straight %seam Subject(s): African Americans ALBERTA, LET YO' HAIR HANG LOW, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ALI, by JR. LLOYD M. CORBIN Poem Source First Line: Ali %is our prince Last Line: A flower without rain %that never could die %ali %is our prince Subject(s): African Americans; Ali, Muhammad (cassius Clay); Boxing And Boxers ALL DAY WE'VE LONGED FOR NIGHT, by SARAH WEBSTER FABIO Poem Source First Line: In this room, holding hands Last Line: May hope to be, locked in %our day-long longing for night Subject(s): African Americans - Women ALL I WANT IS A SPOONFUL, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I told you once : this makes twice Last Line: Ask that man : that run me last Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALL MY MONEY GONE BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: All my money gone : and there ain't no more to say Last Line: Have all my money gone : I feel myself sinking down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALL NIGHT BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: All night blues : ever ever on my mind Last Line: Ain't got nobody : to tell my troubles to Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALL NIGHT LONG BLUES, by LOUISE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed Last Line: Because the man that I'm loving : I swear he sure don't treat me right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALL NIGHT LONG BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Stay out all night long : babe now to keep you off my mind Last Line: Well well now you may need his help some day baby : oh well well you don't know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALL THE BROTHERS, by BETH BROWN PRESTON Poem Source First Line: All of you are scultpure in motion Last Line: The eyes a woman like me can love Subject(s): African Americans ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: When you wake Last Line: All the pretty horses Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Animals; Horses ALL THINGS INSENSIBLE, by KATHLEEN TANKERSLEY YOUNG Poem Source First Line: I envy the sleep Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women ALLEY BOOGIE, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I'm doing something now : I ain't never done before Last Line: I been doing my alley boogie : I been boogying all of my days Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALLIGATOR POND WENT DRY, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Now old mr alligator : he got way back Last Line: Wasn't a drop of water in the pond : a-when he got back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ALWAYS THE SAME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is the same everywhere for me Last Line: Never will come down! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ALYCE LORRAINE HAMPTON BRYANT, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: Half-this, half-that Last Line: For you Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; U.s. - Race Relations AM/TRAK, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Trane / trane, history love scream on Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Coltrane, John (1926-1967); Davis, Miles (1926-1991); Jazz; Music & Musicians AM/TRAK, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Trane %trane, history love scream on Last Line: As rightly %burning Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Coltrane, John (1926-1967); Davis, Miles (1926-1991); Jazz; Music And Musicians AMATEUR FIGHTER, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Boxing & Boxers; Fathers; Housekeeping AMATEUR FIGHTER, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What's left is the tiny gold glove Last Line: Holding his body up to pain Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Boxing And Boxers; Fathers; Housekeeping AMERICA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little dark baby, %little jew baby Last Line: I am my one sole self, %america seeking the stars Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AMERICA, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Although she feeds me bread of bitterness Last Line: Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; America AMERICA'S YOUNG BLACK JOE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One tenth of the population Last Line: I'm america's young black joe Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AMERICAN HEARTBREAK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the american heartbreak Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Hypocrisy; Negroes; American Blacks AMERICAN HEARTBREAK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the american heartbreak Last Line: The great mistake %that jamestown %made long ago Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Hypocrisy AMERICAN HISTORY, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Those four black girls blown up Subject(s): African Americans - Women AMERICAN HISTORY, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Those four black girls blown up Last Line: Can't find what you can't see %can you? Subject(s): African Americans - Women AMERICAN SONNET (55), by WANDA COLEMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down to the stingy stingy marrow of my mojo rant Last Line: Inflames my vigilant soul denies it rest Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda Variant Title(s): Sonnet: 55 Subject(s): African Americans; Stock Exchange; Wylie, Elinor (1885-1928); Negroes; American Blacks AMONG THE THINGS THAT USED TO BE, by WILLIE M. COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: Used to be %ya could learn Last Line: To ferment %a revolution Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights AN AFTERNOON GOSSIP, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Is that you sistah harris? Last Line: To send abe's hatchet home. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Gossip AN ANTE-BELLUM SERMON, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: We is gathered hyeah, my brothahs Last Line: Huh uh! Chillun, let us pray! Subject(s): African Americans; American Civil War; Freedom; United States - History; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty AN APPEAL TO MY COUNTRYWOMEN, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You can sigh o'er the sad-eyed armenian Last Line: And sin is the consort of woe. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Southern States; South (u.s.) AN ODE IN TIME OF HESITATION, by WILLIAM VAUGHN MOODY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before the living bronze saint gaudens made Last Line: Blindness we may forgive, but baseness we will smite. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Holidays; Memorial Day; Saint-gaudens, Augustus (1848-1907); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; Spanish-american War (1898); United States; War; Declaration Day; America AN ODE ON THE UNVEILING OF THE SHAW MEMORIA BOSTON COMMON, MAY 31, 1897, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not with slow, funereal sound Last Line: To him, to him, the dead that shall not die! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Holidays; Memorial Day; Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; Declaration Day ANCHOR LINE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se gwine out on de anchor line, dinah Last Line: Come go wid me; I'll set you free, - dinah Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AND THE OLD WOMEN GATHERED (THE GOSPEL SINGERS), by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The sound of it %stayed in our ears Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women AND WHAT SHALL YOU SAY?, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Brother, come! / and let us go unto our god Last Line: And, brother, what shall you say? Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; God; Religion; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology ANDRE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a dream last night. I dreamed Last Line: They were the ones I always had! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives ANDRE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a dream last night. I dreamed Last Line: They were the ones I always had! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life ANGEL FOR DONNA, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: She sat there at the end of the room Last Line: And make them happy, too.' Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels ANGEL FOR MY FRIEND, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I want my friend to have an angel Last Line: Well, I want my friend to have an angel %just like him Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels ANGEL IN THE TREE HOUSE, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: Don't stay back there hiding Last Line: When the world is new Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels ANGEL OF KNOWLEDGE, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: She knows almost all there is to know Last Line: But even she must wait %for answers Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels ANGEL'S LULLABY, by JOYCE CAROL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: It's time to say good night Last Line: Let fade away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music ANGELA DAVIS, by ALICE S. COBB Poem Source Last Line: In the cause of freedom %the battle is yet to be won Subject(s): African Americans - Women ANGELINA, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When de fiddle gits to singin' out a ol' vahginny reel Last Line: When angelina johnson comes a-swingin' down de line. Subject(s): African Americans - Women ANGELS, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: We are older than %the oldest star Last Line: Our love shines %ever bright Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels ANGELS (REPRISE), by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I am older than %the oldest star Last Line: My love glows forever %bright Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels ANGELS WINGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The angels wings is white as snow Last Line: But the angels wings is white as snow, %white %as %snow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ANGOLA QUESTION MARK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't know why I Last Line: For you and me %there's %woe Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ANIMAL ATTIRE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat coon, he w'ar a undershirt Last Line: But dese don't stop no gun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ANIMAL FAIR (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Has you ever hearn tell 'bout de animal fair? Last Line: Dat pleased all dem monkeys Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ANIMAL PERSECUTORS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went up on de mountain Last Line: To see me runnin' 'bout Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ANNE SPENCER'S TABLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On anne spencer's table Last Line: Many things she knows to write Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ANNIAD, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Think of sweet and chocolate Last Line: Kissing in her kitchenette %the minuets of memory Subject(s): African Americans - Women ANNOUNCEMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a gal %she was driving alone Last Line: That gal don't drive my car no more Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ANOTHER MAN DONE GONE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Another man done gone Last Line: I'm going to walk your log Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music ANOTHER TIME AND FARTHER SOUTH, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In another time and farther south Subject(s): African Americans ANTEBELLUM COURTSHIP INQUIRY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Is you a flyin' lark or a settin' dove? Last Line: To jine my fence to yo' plantation Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ANTEBELLUM MARRIAGE PROPOSAL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De ocean, it's wide; de sea, it's deep Last Line: An' answer up 'greeable fer a s'prise Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ANTIGONE AND OEDIPUS, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Slow wand'ring came the sightless sire and she Last Line: "oh! Let us hope a little ere we die!" Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mythology - Classical ANTS IN MY PANTS, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: It makes no difference : baby where you go Last Line: Now love me baby : like you done last night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ANYBODY HERE WANT TO TRY MY CABBAGE, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Anybody here want to try my cabbage : just step this way Last Line: When I got through feeding him : he said gal you're free Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) APPENDIX TO THE ANNIAD: 1 ( THOUSANDS - KILLED IN ACTION ), by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You need the untranslatable ice to watch Last Line: Why nothing exhausts you like this sympathy Subject(s): African Americans - Women APPENDIX TO THE ANNIAD: 2, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The certainty we two shall meet by god Last Line: Bees in the stomach, sweat across the brow. Now Subject(s): African Americans - Women APPENDIX TO THE ANNIAD: 2, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The certainty we two shall meet by god Last Line: Bees in the stomach, sweat across the brow. Now Subject(s): African Americans - Women APRIL 5, 1968- MARTIN LUTHER KING, by HANS JUERGENSEN Poem Source First Line: In sudden recognition Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) APRIL RAIN SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let the rain kiss you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; April; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks APRIL RAIN SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let the rain kiss you Last Line: And I love the rain Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; April; Spring ARDELLA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would liken you Last Line: To a sleep without dreams %were it not for your songs Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ARE YOU CAREFUL? (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Is you keerful; w'en you goes down de street Last Line: An' think 'bout dem words dat you say? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ARGUING A BARGAIN (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ise a arg'in de bargain, my honey love Last Line: I'll die and go to glory, it will be so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ARGUMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: White is right, %yellow is mellow, %black get back Last Line: Black is fine! %and, god knows, %it's mine! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ARGUMENT (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now lookahere, gal Last Line: You bettah keep yo' freight train %off ma line Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ARK (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole nora hda a lots o' hands Last Line: Ole ham, he sot an' knocked de chunes, %de happiest of de niggers Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ARKANSAS, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Oh little honey : don't you make me go Last Line: And *yesterday* ??? : *was filled with ice and snow* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ARKANSAS ROAD BLUES, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to travel : this big road all by myself Last Line: Daddy if you don't want me : had a-plenty more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ARMAGEDDON, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the silence and the dark Last Line: Even now the dawn appears! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks ARMY CAMP HARMONEY BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: My man is leaving : crying won't make him stay Last Line: *when I look down* : I'd find my old-time man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ARRANGEMENT FOR ME--BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Baby I'll split your kindling : you know I'll bellow your fire Last Line: So a woman like you : could take a little fish at me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ARTISTS' AND MODELS' BALL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonders do not confuse. We call them that Last Line: Our backs they alter. How were we to know Subject(s): African Americans AS BEFITS A MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I don't mind dying Last Line: Please don't take him away! %ow-ooo-oo-o! %don't take daddy away! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AS I GREW OLDER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a long time ago Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Aging; Negroes; American Blacks AS I GREW OLDER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a long time ago Last Line: Into a thousand whirling dreams %of sun! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Aging AS I RECOUNT MY LOVE, by NAOMI FLOWE FAUST Poem Source First Line: When you enter the house, I listen Last Line: Interlace my thoughts ... %in utter bliss, I sleep serenely Subject(s): African Americans AS I WENT TO SHILOH, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: As I went down Last Line: An' blowed dis nigger clear to thundergust Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AS SOON AS SHE IS UP, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Grandma is up %and %out side Last Line: Cook %up %for %us %all Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life AS TRUE AS I'VE BEEN TO YOU, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Now listen here babe : is that the way you intend to do Last Line: But I won't be around here : mama and let you have your way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ASANTE SANA, TE TE, by THADIOUS M. DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Laughing eyes followed Last Line: And named me maree nage Subject(s): African Americans - Women ASH TRAY BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I ain't talking to one : I ain't talking to two Last Line: You look for me : I'll be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ASHES IN MY WHISKEY, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: They put ashes in my whiskey : they put strychnine in my glass Last Line: Lord I believe some other good joker : trying to root me out of my place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ASK YOUR MAMA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the shadows of the quarter %shouts are whispers carrying Last Line: Their grass with unicorns Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ASPHALT, by JOHN MINCZESKI Poem Source First Line: At st. Stans, back in seventh grade Last Line: Center of the earth Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Children; Race Awareness; Youth ASPIRATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wonder how it feels Last Line: In this world %before I go Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ASPIRATION (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If I wus de president Last Line: An' swing on all de gates Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AT A UNITED NATIONS COCKTAIL PARTY, by BRUCE WRIGHT Poem Source First Line: In hand-crafted and tailored suits Last Line: That it and the first are both absurd? Subject(s): African Americans; United Nations AT A UNITED NATIONS RECEPTION, by BRUCE WRIGHT Poem Source First Line: In too severly tailored suits Last Line: That it and the first are both absurd? Subject(s): African Americans; United Nations AT APRIL, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Toss your gay heads Last Line: At our hearts? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Gays & Lesbians; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men AT HOME IN DAKAR, by MARGARET DANNER Poem Source First Line: When the african arts Last Line: Feeling neither too ill nor too old Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History; Art And Artists AT THE CARNIVAL, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Gay little girl-of-the-diving-tank Last Line: I implore neptune to claim his child today! Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Carnivals; Negroes; American Blacks AT THE CEMETERY, WALNUT GROVE PLANTATION, SOUTH CAROLINA, 1989, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Among the rocks / at walnut grove Last Line: Here lies / hear Subject(s): Americans; United States; African Americans; Slavery; Cemeteries; America AT THE CLOSED GATE OF JUSTICE, by JAMES DAVID CORROTHERS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To be a negro in a day like this Last Line: "merely a negro"" - in a day like this!" Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry AT THE GREYHOUND BUS STATION, by FRANCIS CLEARY WITTMEIER Poem Source First Line: She surely did nothing %to deserve Last Line: She surely did nothing %to deserve Subject(s): African Americans; Bus Terminals; Women AT THE NEW JUMP STEADY HALL, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: Now the jump-steady club : they gave a ball Last Line: *eat cake* with some raisins : and you're bound for jail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AT THE OWL CLUB, NORTH GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, 1950, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What's left is the tiny gold glove hanging from his key chain. But, before that, he had come to boxi Variant Title(s): At The Owl Club, North Gulfport, Mississippi 1950 Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping AT THE OWL CLUB, NORTH GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, 1950, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing idle here-the men Last Line: Regal quarts in hand- %it's payday man Variant Title(s): At The Owl Club, North Gulfport, Mississippi 195 Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping AT THE SPRING DAWN, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I watched the dawn come Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women AT THE STATION, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The man, turning, moves away Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping AT THE STATION, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The man, turning, moves away Last Line: No words. His mind on fire Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping ATLANTA BLUES, by CHASEY COLLINS Poem Source First Line: When I find a town : that will satisfy my mind Last Line: And I'm a motherless child : and I just can't keep from crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ATLANTA EXPOSITION ODE, by MARY WESTON FORDHAM Poem Text First Line: Cast down your bucket where you are Last Line: For all one flag, one flag for all. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Exhibitions; Racial Equality; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915); Black Heritage; World's Fairs; Expositions ATLANTA MAN, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Oh nobody knows : atlanta like I do Last Line: Like you take her from me : somebody sure take her from you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ATLANTA STRUT, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Went up on kinnesaw mountain : gave my horn a blow Last Line: Throwed them sweet arms around me : like a grape vine around a stump Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ATLAS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am used to the heft of it Last Line: To carry everything. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Forests; Labor & Laborers; Strength; Black Heritage; Woods; Work; Workers AUGUST, by ELINOR WYLIE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why should this negro insolently stride Last Line: Scarce warms the surface of the deepest pool? Alternate Author Name(s): Benet, William Rose, Mrs. Subject(s): African Americans; Flowers; Pain; Negroes; American Blacks; Suffering; Misery AUGUST 19TH...A POEM FOR CLARENCE NORRIS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What flag will fly for me Last Line: August 19th Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AUNT AGNES HATCHER TELLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After the war when rationing was over Last Line: Slide out babies like payday from that %billion dollar behind Subject(s): African Americans - History; Death; Family Life; Hunger; Slavery; War AUNT CAROLINE DYER BLUES, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to newport news : just to see aunt caroline dyer Last Line: I'm going back to newport news : and do what aunt caroline dyer told me to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AUNT DINAH DRUNK: 1, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole aunt dinah, she got drunk Last Line: Way down on de ole plank road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AUNT DINAH DRUNK: 2, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Old aunt dinah she got drunk Last Line: Look here, mr. Negro, don't do that again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AUNT JANE ALLEN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: State street is lonely today. Aunt jane allen has driven Last Line: To each of the seed of ethiopia? Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks AUNT JANEY AND MABEL COOK SOUL FOOD, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: Aunt janey Last Line: Boil and pickle them?' she said.' Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Aunts AUNT JANEY MEETS SISTER CAUDHILL, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: Aunt janey would buy her hats from sister caudhill, the hat lady, who Last Line: You at it!' Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Aunts AUNT JEMIMA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Women AUNT JEMIMA (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole aunt jemima grow so tall Last Line: To de backwoods whar she stays Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AUNT SUE'S STORIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aunt sue has a head full of stories Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives AUNT SUE'S STORIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aunt sue has a head full of stories Last Line: Of a summer night %listening to aunt sue's stories Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life AUTUMN, by MARJORIE MARSHALL Poem Source First Line: Mellow sunlight, soothing, warm Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women AUTUMN IN NEW YORK, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Manhattan's skyline Last Line: And I shall multiply my days as the phoenix Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) AUTUMN NOTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The little flowers of yesterday Last Line: The cold of winter comes apace %and you have gone away Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AUTUMN THOUGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Flowers are happy in summer Last Line: Like little brown butterflies Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans AVALON BLUES, by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: I been in new york this morning : just about half past nine Last Line: Going back to avalon : stay there with pretty mama all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AWARD (A GOLD WATCH TO THE FBI MAN WHO HAS FOLLOWED ME), by RAY DUREM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well, old spy Subject(s): African Americans; Federal Bureau Of Investigation; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Fbi AWARD (A GOLD WATCH TO THE FBI MAN WHO HAS FOLLOWED ME), by RAY DUREM Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Well, old spy Last Line: But she was my daughter, only three, %who had to pee Subject(s): African Americans; Federal Bureau Of Investigation; Social Protest AWARENESS, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black people think Last Line: Black people think- %think black Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): African Americans AWAY FROM HOME, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: Standing in the station Last Line: I'm drinking muddy water : sleep in a hollow log Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AWFUL FIX BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: Hey mama : tell me what have I done Last Line: Now your little daddy's gone : now who you going to get to chop your wood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AWFUL HARBINGERS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en de big owl whoops Last Line: Caze de 'hants' is comin' 'round Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs AWFUL MOANING BLUES--PART 1, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Mmm: mmm Last Line: Says I'm going to moan going to moan: till I treat my baby right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) AZIKIWE IN JAIL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The british said to azikiwe Last Line: If you cook me! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans B AND O BLUES NO.2, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I'm going to grab me a train : I'm going back to baltimore Last Line: Because I got another hot mama : and she lives in baltimore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) B'Y SARA BURNED DOWN, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Way down the rivuh an' I couldn't stay long, b'y sara burned down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs B.B. KING, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: I know %people everywhere Last Line: Lord, I really, really %have paid my dues! Subject(s): African Americans; King, B. B. (b. 1925) BAA! BAA! BLACK SHEEP (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Poor liddle black sheep's %got no mammy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BABY COBINA, by GLADYS MAY CASELY HAYFORD Poem Source First Line: Brown baby cobina, with his large black velvet eyes Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BABY DOLL, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I went to see the doctor the other day : he said I was well as well could be Last Line: She say you in hard luck bessie : doggone your bad-luck soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BABY GOT THE RICKETS, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: And it's one of these mornings : honey and it won't be long Last Line: ??? Tomorrow : sing them to yourself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BABY PLEASE DON'T GO, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Now baby please don't go : now baby please don't go Last Line: Trying to leave your daddy here they got me way down here : and you don't feel my care Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BABY PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME NO MORE, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I been lonesome all day : I've been grieving all night long Last Line: All I ask you baby : please don't leave me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BABY PLEASE LOAN ME YOUR HEART, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now you know baby : you know it's true Last Line: All you got to do : is to lone me your heart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BABY WANTS CHERRIES (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De cherries, dey're red; de cherries, dey're ripe Last Line: An' de pickaninny sholy won't cry Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BABY, DON'T YOU LOVE ME NO MORE?, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Mmm : baby why you have to go Last Line: Go money baby : going to use it as I like Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BABY, DON'T YOU WANT TO GO?, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Mmm : baby don't you want to go Last Line: To that land of california : sweet old chicago Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK BITING BEE BLUES, by LEOLA B. WILSON Poem Source First Line: Early this morning : heard someone calling me Last Line: I know by that : some mule is kicking in my stall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK DOOR, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Oh tell me mama : who's that here awhile ago Last Line: With one leg in his pants : and his shoes in his hand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK DOOR BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says the blues come down the alley: headed up to my back door Last Line: If you think about that old black woman: lord that led you off astray Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK DOOR BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: I left my baby : standing in the back door crying Last Line: She will take your bad treatments : and do the best she can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK DOOR BLUES, by BO JONES Poem Source First Line: Early one morning : I set down in my door Last Line: So she can see my name : if she never see me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK DOOR BLUES, by JOE STONE Poem Source First Line: I'm going to buy me a little red rooster mama : put it in my back door Last Line: And I wonder why mama : that you can't get along with me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK GNAWING BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I ain't never loved : but three womens in my life Last Line: If you allow me a chance : I will gnaw your backbone half in two Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK HOME BLUES, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Not sure at first Last Line: Promising: dig you %now, catch you later Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) BACK INTO THE GARDEN, by SARAH WEBSTER FABIO Poem Source First Line: It's a hell Last Line: Your prize and %genesis Subject(s): African Americans - Women BACK ON THE JOB, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Some of these days you're going to miss me : mama lord when I'm gone Last Line: But the next time I go strolling : just try to find you someone else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK TO THE WOODS BLUES, by CHARLIE SPAND Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : clock was striking four Last Line: How my train is waiting : baby and I got to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK WATER BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: When it rained five days : and the skies turned dark as night Last Line: There ain't no place : for a poor old girl to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACK WOODS BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Got the backwoods blues : but I don't want to go back home Last Line: Yes I'm going down there : I'm going to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BACKLASH BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mister backlash, mister backlash Last Line: Yes, you're the one %will have the blues Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BAD BOY, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: I been a bad boy : didn't treat nobody right Last Line: I ain't going to sing no more : baby that is all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD FEATURES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Blue gums an' black eyes Last Line: Make a hole in de groun' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BAD FEELING BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me worried all the time Last Line: I'm going to pack my grip : leave this lonesome town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD IN MIND BLUES, by LITTLE BUDDY DOYLE Poem Source First Line: Boys I ain't doing no good : this slow death is killing me Last Line: She'll forever keep you working : working with your coffin on your back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now there's rouble trouble : I been having all my days Last Line: I'd kill my sister and my brother : not a woman *break my line* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I want to go home : and I ain't got sufficient clothes Last Line: Be on my way : to what you call loving tennessee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Hey people : listen while I sing my news Last Line: You might as well die : give your soul to the man far above Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now did you hear about this bad luck : the bad luck happened just about six mon Last Line: Now but tell them if they be good they come to see me : people on resurrection day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK CARD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cause you don't love me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Luck; Negroes; American Blacks BAD LUCK CARD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cause you don't love me Last Line: Gypsy says I'd kill my self %if I was you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Luck BAD LUCK DICE, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I believe I'll try : them bad-luck dice again Last Line: But if I ever get lucky : I swear I'll have my diamonds on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK MOAN, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: Bad luck in my bed : bad luck's in my home Last Line: Somebody better come here : pretty doggone soon Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD LUCK'S MY BUDDY, by NOAH LEWIS Poem Source First Line: And it's trouble here : it's trouble in the air Last Line: I been in trouble : ever since I been Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAD MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm a bad, bad man Last Line: I wouldn't go to heaben if I could Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BAD MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here I sit / with my shoes mismated Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BAD MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here I sit %with my shoes mismated Last Line: Lawdy-mercy! %I's frustrated! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BAD NOTION BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Oh I woke up this morning : sure was feeling bad Last Line: I wouldn't mistreat my woman : for to save nobody's soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BADLY MISTREATED MAN, by CARL MARTIN Poem Source First Line: I worked hard baby : I worked hard every day Last Line: I've been badly mistreated : I've been drove from door to door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAHIAN DAWN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I eat blue sky blue of bahia Last Line: It's all the freedom I know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Freedom BAKER'S BOY, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: The baker's boy delivers loaves Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BAKERSHOP BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm standing in front of the bakershop : and I'm feeling lowdown in mind Last Line: If I don't get a break soon : I'll fall dead front of this bakershop Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAKING POWDER BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Got up this morning : by the rising sun Last Line: Because I'm going to give you some more money : and I'm going to give it to you sure Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BALKY MULE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I got up this morning : sure was feeling fine Last Line: Now here come my bad cat mama : to run me away with them bad cat blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BALL AND CHAIN BLUES, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: I'm laying in jail : my back turned to the wall Last Line: This ball and chain : about to kill me dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BALLAD FOR PHILLIS WHEATLEY, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pretty little black girl Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Wheatley, Phillis (1753-1784) BALLAD OF A MAN WHO'S GONE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No money to bury him Last Line: A poor man ain't got %no business to die Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF BOOKER T., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Booker t. %was a practical man Last Line: Let down your bucket %where you are Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF GIN MARY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Carried me to de court Last Line: Till licker'll let you be Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF HARRY MOORE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Florida means land of flowers Last Line: Freedom never dies Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF JOE MEEK, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You cain't never tell Last Line: When you see him a-sleeping, %in the sun Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF LADIES LOST AND FOUND, by MARILYN HACKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where are the women who, entre deux guerres Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Anthony, Susan Brownell (1820-1906); Blues (music); Bonheur, Rosa (1822-1899); Colette, Sidonie Gabrielle (1873-1954); De La Cruz, Juana Ines (1648-1695); Dickinson, Emily (1830-1886); Doolittle, Hilda (1886-1961); Eleanor Of A BALLAD OF LADIES LOST AND FOUND, by MARILYN HACKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where are the women who, entre deux guerres Last Line: And truncated a woman's chronicle, %and plain old margaret fuller died as well Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Anthony, Susan Brownell (1820-1906); Blues (music); Bonheur, Rosa (1822-1899); Colette, Sidonie Gabrielle (1873-1954); De La Cruz, Juana Ines (1648-1695); Dickinson, Emily (1830-1886); Doolittle, Hilda (1886-1961); Eleanor Of A BALLAD OF LENIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Comrade lenin of russia Last Line: The world is our room Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich (1870-1924); Russia BALLAD OF LITTLE SALLIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little sallie, little sallie Last Line: That's what we'll do Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF MARGIE POLITE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If margie polite Last Line: It were %margie's day Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF MARY'S SON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was in the spring Last Line: His body and his blood %redeem mine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF NEGRO HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is so much to write about Last Line: My race! My race! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF OZIE POWELL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Red is the alabama road Last Line: But redder now where your life's blood flowed, %ozie! Ozie powell! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF ROOSEVELT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The pot was empty Last Line: What's the matter here? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882-1945) BALLAD OF SAM SOLOMON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sam solomon said Last Line: A negro is a man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE BLACK SHEEP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother, %he never left the old fireside Last Line: Help me, jesus Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE FOOL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poor, poor fool! %no sense at all Last Line: Was a fool that way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE FORTUNE TELLER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Madam could look in your hand Last Line: What your future meant, %couldn't tell, to save her, %where dave went Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE GIRL WHOSE NAME IS MUD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A girl with all that raising Last Line: That if she had a chance %she'd do it again! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Pride BALLAD OF THE GYPSY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to the gypsy's Last Line: But if I was a gypsy %I would take your money, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE HOPPY-TOAD, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Ain't been on market street for nothing / with my regular washing load Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women BALLAD OF THE HOPPY-TOAD, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ain't been on market street for nothing %with my regular washing load Last Line: O hoppy-toad,' he cried Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women BALLAD OF THE KILLER BOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bernice said she wanted Last Line: Ask that woman -- %she knows why Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE LANDLORD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Landlord, landlord. / my roof has sprung a leak Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Landlords & Tenants; Negroes; American Blacks BALLAD OF THE LANDLORD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Landlord, landlord. %my roof has sprung a leak Last Line: Judge gives negro 90 days in county jail Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Landlords And Tenants BALLAD OF THE MISER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He took all his money Last Line: To a miser saving money's %too much fun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE PAWNBROKER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This gold watch and chain Last Line: Life! %what'll you lend Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE SEVEN SONGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Seven letters, %seven songs Last Line: And go home to my lord %and be free Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF THE SINNER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went down the road Last Line: Pray for me, mama Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLAD OF WALTER WHITE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now walter white Last Line: That can pass for white Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BALLADE DES BELLES MILATRAISSES; NEW ORLEANS, 1840-1850, by ROSALIE M. JONAS Poem Source First Line: Tis the octoroon ball! And the halls are alight Last Line: Are these black-hooded ghosts of the dancers we knew %on their knees at last? 'c'est pas zaffaire a Subject(s): African Americans - Women BAMALONG BLUES, by JIM BAXTER Poem Source First Line: Who's going to be : in the second bamalong Last Line: I got the one : that I love the best Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BANJO PICKING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hush boys! Hush boys! Don't make a noise Last Line: Sweep dat kittle wid a bran' new broom Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BANKER'S BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: If you got money in the bank : don't let your woman draw it out Last Line: When I get down to the bank : and draw my money out Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BANTY ROOSTER BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to buy me a banty : put him in my back door Last Line: I can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BANTY TIM, by JOHN MILTON HAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I reckon I git your drift, gents Last Line: Or my name's not tilmon joy! Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks BAPTISM, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Into the furnace let me go alone Last Line: A stronger soul within a finer frame. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That whiskey will cook the egg %say not so Last Line: Maybe the egg %will cook the whiskey. %you ought to know! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BARBECUE BESS, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: When you come to my house : come down behind the jail Last Line: And you can get my meat : any night at twelve Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARBECUE BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning gal : 'twixt midnight and day Last Line: Some brownskin woman : going to be the death of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARBECUE BOB HICKS, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: Could cook up a Last Line: Cinch I don't want you Subject(s): African Americans BAREFOOT BILL'S HARD LUCK BLUES, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: Baby I been working : all this blasted year Last Line: Barefooted hungry and raggedy : doggone my hard-luck soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAREFOOT BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Papa, don't you see my shoes? Last Line: Papa, is your money gone? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BAREFOOT BLUES, by JAYDEE SHORT Poem Source First Line: Let's get stomp barefoot mama : and get drunk and run Last Line: You're a no-good woman : you don't feel in your hard-workingman's care Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARREL HOUSE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Got the barrelhousing blues : feeling awfully dry Last Line: Papa likes his outside women : mama likes the outside men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARREL HOUSE FLAT BLUES, by MARY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I got a barrelhouse flat in *eastport* : and one I st louis too Last Line: If you women want a good time : stop by this barrlhouse flat of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARREL HOUSE WOMAN, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: My woman so lowdown : she barrelhouse all the time Last Line: Gets her head full of whiskey : and wants to start a fight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARREL HOUSE WOMAN NO. 2, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Well this barrelhouse woman : waht makes you so mean Last Line: If you got to get drunk baby : mama please just let me be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARREL OF WHISKEY BLUES, by JAMES STUMP JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to marry : and I ain't going to settle down Last Line: If we don't today : we will tomorrow night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BARS FIGHT, AUGUST 28, 1746, by LUCY TERRY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: August 'twas the twenty-fifth Last Line: Was taken and carried to canada. Subject(s): African Americans - Women BASEMENT BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: The man I love : got lowdown ways for two Last Line: But my eye is at the ??? : in the basement blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BAT! BAT! (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: If you don't want to git fersaken Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BATTERY, by JEAN COCTEAU Poem Text First Line: Sun, as the savages I adore Last Line: Sun, delightful fire of hell. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BATTLE GROUND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The soldier said to the general Last Line: Cause I'm the general! See? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BE MY KID BLUES, by ELIZABETH JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If you be my kid : I'll be your teddy bear Last Line: Sleep with my man : if it kills me dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BE-BOP BOYS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Imploring mecca Last Line: With decca. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks BEALE STREET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The dream is vague Last Line: The loss %of the dream %leaves nothing %the same Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BEALE STREET LOVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Love %is a brown man's fist Last Line: Hit me again, %says corinda Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BEALE STREET MESS AROUND, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: Woke up early this morning : blues around my bed Last Line: ??? : sing them to yourself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEALE TOWN BOUND, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Said I'm [leaving mama, going away] : I'm going to leave you now Last Line: You didn't have no business mama : starting this deal with me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEANS, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I don't want no more navy beans : boys I don't want no more Last Line: Run to the little house in the back : couldn't shut the door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Beans; Blues (music) BEAT IT RIGHT, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Some got both queens : some got both kings Last Line: Keep on beating : it's going to take your life Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEAT YOU DOING IT, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I've have the blues about my money : had the blues because I'm feeling bad Last Line: Because there's always been some good man : to beat you doing what you're trying to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEAUMONT TO DETROIT: 1943, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Looky here, america Last Line: Both hitler -- and jim crow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BEAUTIFUL BLACK MEN, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wanta say just gotta say something Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BEAUTIFUL BLACK MEN, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wanta say just gotta say something Last Line: Black men with outasight afros Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMEN, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beautiful black women, fail, they act. Stop them, raining Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans - Women BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMEN, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beautiful black women, fail, they act. Stop them, raining Last Line: Will you let me help you, daughter, wife-lover, will you Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans - Women BEAUTIFUL SLAVE, by GIAMBATTISTA MARINI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Black, yes, but beautiful. Sweet paradox Last Line: But whose dark eyes shine brighter than your day Alternate Author Name(s): Marino, Giambattista; Marino, Giovanni Battista Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Beauty; Love - Cultural Differences; Slavery BEAUTIFUL THE BLACK, by DEVERY C. LANDRAM Poem Source First Line: I've known from all the folklore I've learned Last Line: Shared pieces of you %- black the beautiful Subject(s): African Americans BEAUTY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They give to beauty here -- Last Line: Adulation, but no care Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BEAUTY, by OCTAVIA BEATRICE WYNBUSH Poem Source First Line: Tis' wondrous strange in what things men find beauty Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BEAUTY SHOPPE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yes, girl. He was fine. All night he'd groan I love you Last Line: He's not worth it. Girl, that nigger broke my heart Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans; Love – Unrequited; Deception; Grief BEAUTY-LAND, by RUTH MCENERY STUART Poem Text First Line: Kiver up yo' eye, my baby, wid yo' mammy's sleeve Last Line: Never leave 'er sleepin' baby 't all. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BEBOP, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of bebop Last Line: The new attitude- %bebop Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music BED SLATS, by UNKNOWN+215 Poem Source First Line: And I went upstairs : about four o'clock Last Line: The gait she's carrying me : is most too fast Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BED SPRINGS BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head Last Line: I'm worried about the movements you got : and those springs trembling on your bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEDBUG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De june-bug's got de golden wing Last Line: Good-bye, miss lize jane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BEDROOM BLUES, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: My room sure looks lonesome : since my good man been gone Last Line: I thinks about my sweet man : all night long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEDSIDE BLUES, by JIM THOMPKINS Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more Last Line: And then these women : sure take care of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEDTIME BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now when you lay down at night : call your good friend by name Last Line: The last time I seen you : trying to make your get-away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEEDLE UM BUM, by BOB ROBINSON Poem Source First Line: It'll make a dumb man speak : make a lame man run Last Line: You get a little taste : you'll want some more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEEFSTEAK WHEN I'M HONGRY, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BEEN ALL AROUN' THE WHOLE ROUN' WORL', by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BEEN MISTREATED BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: I had a sweet woman : she done turned sour on me Last Line: But the good lord knows : that the women don't treat me right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEER DRINKING WOMAN, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I walked into a bar tavern : to give a girl a nice time Last Line: She said daddy buy me a small bottle of beer : so I can concentrate my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEER DROPS, by MELBA JOYCE BOYD Poem Source First Line: Because beer tingles Last Line: Crushing a dandelion %skull Subject(s): African Americans - Women BEFORE I DRESS AND SOAR AGAIN, by DONNA ALLEGRA Poem Source First Line: I have a question for all the sisters Last Line: How can your daughters grow? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights BEFORE LONG, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: When I had money baby : you was good to me Last Line: Look like it *do you good somebody* : the day they saw me crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEFORE MAKING LOVE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I move my hands over your face Last Line: That all the bloody kingdoms rest on Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BEFORE MAKING LOVE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I move my hands over your face Subject(s): African Americans BEFORE THE FEAST OF SHUSHAN, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Garden of shushan %after eden, all terrace, pool, and flower recollect thee Last Line: Love is but desire and thy purpose fulfillment %I, thy king,so say Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BEG LEG MAMA, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now it's mama mama mama : please keep you big legs down Last Line: When I load this carload of coal captain : I sure ain't going load no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEGGAR BOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What is there within this beggar lad Last Line: As if fate had not bled him with her knife Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BEGGIN' BACK, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Listen here mama : I'll be good Last Line: Take you back : in the wintertime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BEGINNING OF A LONG POEM ON WHY I BURNED THE CITY, by LAURENCE BENFORD Poem Source First Line: My city slept %through my growing up in hate Last Line: And I went off to college %with a gasoline can Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest BEING OLD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's because you are so young Last Line: You do not understand Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BELIEVE I'LL GO BACK HOME, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: I believe I believe : I believe I'll go back home Last Line: And it took my baby : and it left me standing here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BELL STREET BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I live down in bell street alley : just as drunk as I can be Last Line: Got me laying back here on my bunk : nobody in the world to go my bail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BELLS TOLL KINDLY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Many clocks in many towers Last Line: The final hour drawing near Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BENEDICTION, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Go forth, my son Last Line: Thy star-ways must be won! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Children BENT TONES, by CAROLYN D. WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There was a dance at the black school Last Line: She could see floyd little %changing his shirt for the umpteenth time Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, C. D. Subject(s): African Americans; Heat; Poverty BEORGIA BARREL HOUSE, by BILL GAITHER Poem Source First Line: I know you from georgia : but you are all right with me Last Line: You know what I mean : give me back everything I bought Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BERTHA LEE BLUES, by ROBERT PETWAY Poem Source First Line: Bertha lee : you sure have been good to me Last Line: If you do bertha lee : please lay my money down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BESSEMER BOUND BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : looking for my darn old shoes Last Line: But I'd rather be in memphis : reading by a candle light Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BESSIE, by ALVIN BERNARD AUBERT Poem Source First Line: My gloriana Last Line: Of our most common need Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) BESSIE SMITH'S FUNERAL, by ALVIN BERNARD AUBERT Poem Source First Line: The brief procession Last Line: Her song is news, begins the dispensation %of the blues Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Funerals; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) BESSIE'S BOIL, by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Says I to my missis: 'ba goom, lass!' Last Line: Us fellers is only the pynters, a-pyntin' the 'alls and the stairs Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music BESSIE'S MOAN, by BESSIE TUCKER Poem Source First Line: Hey : hey hey hey hey Last Line: Just like you found me : you can put me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BETTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Better in the quiet night Last Line: To listen to no song at all %than hear another voice Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BETTER LEAVE THAT STUFF ALONE, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: People across the water : they're crying for meat and bread Last Line: She's only hustling them people : to get that stuff they call that old canned heat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BETTY SUE BLUES, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: Betty sue betty sue : is the sweetest girl I know Last Line: Giving away my luggage : and trying to love me too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And one morning while in the woods I stumbled suddenly Last Line: Now I am dry bones and my face a stony skull staring in yellow %surprise at the sun Subject(s): African Americans BIBLE BELT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It would be too bad if jesus Last Line: You may be %crucified Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BIDDLE STREET BLUES, by HENRY SPAULDING Poem Source First Line: Say some strange something : is easing down on me Last Line: Because I know my baby's there : she will take my loving on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG APPLE BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: I know you got some good apples : right down on mr rudolph's farm Last Line: Now if somebody don't give me *any* something to eat pretty soon : I just as swear we won't be here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG BALL DOWN TOWN (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BIG BILL BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Lord my hair is a-rising : my flesh begin to crawl Last Line: I ain't going to fix up your black *tarnation* : I ain't going to be your doggone fool Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG BOAT WHISTLE, by JOHNNIE TEMPLE Poem Source First Line: And I heard a mighty rumbling : and it [sound, looks] just like a passenger tra Last Line: Now that's only this darling : ooo will you love me baby when I'm old Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG BUDDY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Big buddy, big buddy Last Line: Don't you hear this hammer ring? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BIG CHIEF BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I'm going away baby : take me seven long months to ride Last Line: Big chief lord : be my daddy-in-law Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG FAT MAMA BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Crying big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones Last Line: Mmm big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG FOUR BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Big four blowed this morning : at the break of day Last Line: I'm just trying to make it : back to that gal who is worrying my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG FOUR BLUES, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: And that big four the big four : is a mean old train to ride Last Line: You going to reach for your boiler : and your plate will be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG HOUSE BOUND, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I never will forget the day ; they transferred me to the county jail Last Line: I says mmm : I mean come and go my bail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG LEG BLUES, by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: Raise up baby : get your big leg off of mine Last Line: I seen you faro : going up the right of way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG MAMA, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: She got them great big legs : she got the walking size Last Line: But you know I never told her : she could not shake that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG NIGHT BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: My feets is so cold : can't hardly wear my shoes Last Line: Well I needs my daddy : because my clock is run down at home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG ROAD BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Crying I ain't going down : this big road by myself Last Line: Now you think you going to do me : like you done poor cherry red Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG ROCK JAIL, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: Said high sheriff been here : got my girl and gone Last Line: I don't get nothing : but the mean old high sheriff blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG SHIP BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now this big ship was a-rocking : and my body's filled with aches and pains Last Line: Soon as we make a few more lurches : I will be right back in new york town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG SISTER, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: My sister is such an angel Last Line: But she's an angel, too Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels BIG SISTER AND BIG BROTHER, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Ziza plays her guitar Last Line: His running shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life BIG SISTER TELLS ME THAT I'M BLACK, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: That we are proud %we shout out loud Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life BIG SUR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great lonely hills Last Line: Mighty touchstones of song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BIG WOMAN, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Got a little bitty mama : and a big mama too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIG-TIMER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who am I? It ain't so deep: Last Line: That's...All...I...Am Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BILLIE HOLIDAY, by ANNEMARIE EWING Poem Source First Line: She was known as lady Last Line: Out of ginger...Hot tar...Pistachio...Gall Alternate Author Name(s): Towner, John H., Mrs.; Towner, Annemarie Ewing Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers BILLIE HOLIDAY, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: Wouldn't you know it? -- the lady has her name Last Line: This is the lady's home %she never had Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers BILLIE HOLIDAY, by STERLING D. PLUMPP Poem Source First Line: Feel and hear. Last Line: Major in kneeling %with my ears Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers BILLIE HOLIDAY, by HANS R. VLEK Poem Source First Line: A woman a lady Last Line: She knows %sings Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers BILLIE IN SILK, by ANGELA JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I have nothing to say to you, billie holiday Last Line: My mouth is on fire. Let it burn Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Popular Culture - United States; Singing And Singers BILLIKEN'S WEARY BLUES, by TEXAS BILL DAY Poem Source First Line: Don't the moon look pretty : shining through the trees Last Line: So when my good girl gets worried : she can sit down and talk to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BILLY DE LYE WAS A RECKLESS GAMBLER, by DEIDRE MCCALLA Poem Source Last Line: He dropped his gun and I grabbed %for my last chance Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights BILLY GOAT BLUES, by JOHN BYRD Poem Source First Line: Lord that harlem goat mama : sure was feeling fine Last Line: With my head on a pillow : where my goat lord used to lay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIRD FEATHERS: WHY'D THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Piggy, stop! Last Line: Yeah, charlie yardbird Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) BIRD IN ORBIT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: De -- %delight -- %delighted! Introduce me to eartha Last Line: Soaking up the music %music Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BIRD IN THE CAGE, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: I am not better than my brother over the way Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans - Women BIRD NEST BOUND, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Come on mama : out to the edge of town Last Line: You don't need no telling : mama take me in your car Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BIRMINGHAM 1963, by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: Sunday morning and her mother's hands Last Line: Alone amid the rubble, amid the people %who perish, being innocent Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans; Birmingham, Alabama; Social Protest BIRMINGHAM SUNDAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Four little girls %who went to sunday school that day Last Line: As yet unfelt among magnolia trees Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BIRTH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, fields of wonder Last Line: To make %some word %to tell Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Life Change Events BIRTH IN A NARROW ROOM, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Weeps out of western country something new Last Line: And where the bugs buzz by in private cars %across old peach cans and old jelly jars Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Birth BIRTH OF THE BLUES, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of the blues Last Line: I see the birth of the blues %in people emancipated but not yet free Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music BIRTHDAY, by HILDA VEST Poem Source First Line: Born %on the winds Last Line: Your warmth gusting %like forced blooms Subject(s): African Americans BITTER FRUIT OF THE TREE, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They said to my grandmother: 'please do not be bitter.' Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry BITTER FRUIT OF THE TREE, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They said to my grandmother: 'please do not be bitter.' Last Line: All you need to know is: you must not be bitter Subject(s): African Americans; Racism BITTER LOVERS' QUARREL - ONE SIDE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You nasty dog. You dirty dog Last Line: I thinks myse'f above you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BITTER RIVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is a bitter river Last Line: I'm tired of the bitter river! %tired of the bars! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Lynching BLACK ACE, by BUCK TURNER Poem Source First Line: I am the black ace : I'm the boss card in your hand Last Line: Because I'd be a good fellow : mama if you would please let me stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK ANACHRONISM, by LINWOOD M. ROSS Poem Source First Line: Jamal was %a starving, black poet Last Line: Deep in throws of %a gherri curl town Subject(s): African Americans BLACK AND EVIL BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make myself Last Line: As you wish on every *no-good* star : *bring here your baby to me* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK ANGEL BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I got a sweet black angel : I like the way he spread his wings Last Line: He's got a new way of getting goose : and he sure can shake that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK ANIMA, by NORMAN J. LOFTIS Poem Source First Line: Spiked cadillacs with silver teeth Last Line: The void jetting in Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians BLACK ANNIE, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Well I stood on the corner mama: and I looked for two blocks and a half Last Line: Lord if you don't live with me mama: well you ain't going to live with nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK ART, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poems are bullshit unless they are Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK ART, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poems are bullshit unless they are Last Line: And let all black people speak this poem %silently %or loud Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism BLACK ARTS, by JAN LEE ANDE Poem Source First Line: I adore the pitch black nature of life Last Line: How still the waters are in the dark wine %of the womb Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Art And Artists; Nature; Paintings And Painters BLACK BABY, by ANITA SCOTT COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: The baby I hold in my arms is a black baby Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BLACK BACK-UPS, by KATE RUSHIN Poem Source First Line: This is dedicated to merry clayton, fontella bass, vonetta Last Line: Do - do %do Alternate Author Name(s): Rushin, Donna Kate Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; African Americans - Women; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Popular Culture - United States; Singing And Singers; Women's Rights BLACK BOTTOM HOP, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: First you get over *town* : ??? Last Line: They'll break up the dance : with a battle royal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK BOURGEOISIE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Has a gold tooth, sits long hours Last Line: Him black self Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK BOURGEOISIE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Has a gold tooth, sits long hours Last Line: Hates, instead, him self %him black self Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans BLACK CAT BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I got a big black cat : sitting in my back door Last Line: I got one-eyed cats : everywhere I go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK CAT SWING, by UNKNOWN+208 Poem Source First Line: Yes you is one black rat : some day I'll find your trail Last Line: Trapped in ??? : I'm going to catch him some day soon Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK CHRISTMAS, by DUBOSE HEYWARD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is cruel for a woman with her man gone Last Line: "an' the younguns allas hungry, an' winter comin' on." Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The BLACK CHURCHES BURNING, by SALVATORE GALIOTO Poem Source First Line: Patriotic, family oriented %religious, angry white men Last Line: Hey mom, pass me the bottle %and the gasoline Subject(s): African Americans - History; Churches; Fire BLACK CLOWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You laugh %because I'm poor and black and funny -- Last Line: But now -- %I'm a man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK DADA NIHILISMUS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Against what light / is false what breath Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK DADA NIHILISMUS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Against what light %is false what breath Last Line: Against his lost white children %black dada nihilismus Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans BLACK DANCERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We %who have nothing to lose Last Line: Lest our laughter %goes from %us Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK DANDY, by ELIAS MIGUEL MUNOZ Poem Source First Line: He collects hats Last Line: Can hear his voice, his wolf bites, the %grinding of his teeth. The applause Subject(s): African Americans; California; Entertainers BLACK DOG BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Let me tell you mama : what my black dog done done to me Last Line: Because you got the nerve : to leave my good woman to cry Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK DRAFTEE FROM DIXIE, by CARRIE WILLIAMS CLIFFORD Poem Source First Line: Upon his dull ear fell the stern command Last Line: Where from the hell of war he never flinched %because he cried, 'democracy' was lynched Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACK EVIL BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: And I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make *myself* Last Line: You will turn over and hug a pillow : where your daddy used to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK EYE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Take all my money : blacken both my eyes Last Line: Give it to another man : come home and tell me lies Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK FACES, by ANITA SCOTT COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: I love black faces Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BLACK GAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I's always been a workin' girl Last Line: Oh, god, I wants him back Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK GAL SWING, by SON BONDS Poem Source First Line: Now a yellow gal rides in an automobile : a brownskin gal rides the same Last Line: But a black girl spit bacca juice *shoo* snuff all on your lips : oh loving you just the same Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK GAL WHAT MAKES YOUR HEAD SO HARD?--NO.2, by JOE PULLUM Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : couldn't even get out of my bed Last Line: And if I see you with another woman : I would rather kill myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK GIRL FULO, by JORGE MATEUS DE LIMA Poem Source First Line: Now it so happened she came Last Line: That black girl fulo! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Brazil; Rape; Slavery BLACK GODDESS, by KATE RUSHIN Poem Source First Line: I am not a black goddess Last Line: Do you know what I mean? Alternate Author Name(s): Rushin, Donna Kate Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights BLACK GYPSY BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: My woman must be a black gypsy : she knows every place I go Last Line: I asked her for water : and she brought me gasoline Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK HEARSE BLUES, by MONETTE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Old death wagon : don't you dare stop at my door Last Line: I'm just using him up : on the old ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK HORSE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: [tell me, I want to know] what time : do the trains come through your town Last Line: Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't getting on right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK IS BEST, by LARRY THOMPSON Poem Source Last Line: But I keep saying: %black is best Subject(s): African Americans BLACK JAM FOR DR. NEGRO, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pullin me in off the corner to wash my face an Last Line: Puked an rotten %waitin' to be defended Subject(s): African Americans BLACK JESS, by PETER KANE DUFAULT Poem Source First Line: He was no good. Somewhere Last Line: One day in the marine atlases of the world to designate %a dot on long island sound Subject(s): African Americans; Long Island (n.y.); Wanderers And Wandering BLACK MAMMY'S LULLABY, 1855, by WIGHTMAN FLETCHER MELTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Go t' sleep, li'l honey, white chile Last Line: Good-night, white chile, good-night. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK MAN IS MAKING NEW GODS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Atheist jews double crossers stole our secrets crossed Last Line: In a cold box Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism BLACK MAN SPEAKS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I swear to the lord Last Line: Old jim crow's sorrow? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK MAN TALKS OF REAPING, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have sown beside all waters in my day Last Line: They have not sown, and feed on bitter fruit Subject(s): African Americans BLACK MARE BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare Last Line: Says you going to have : a rounder for your own Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK MARIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Must be the black maria Last Line: And a new day, %yes a new day's %done begun! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK MATTIE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Oh black mattie : where did you stay last night Last Line: Now the day that you quit me : I won't be mad with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK MEN, by LUCIA TRENT Poem Text First Line: Swift gusts of hollow night wind clatter by Last Line: A bitter scorn for those who hung them there. Alternate Author Name(s): Cheyney, Mrs. Ralph; Glass, Mrs. Ernest Subject(s): African Americans; Justice; Lynching; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK MEN SINGING, by ELMO RUSS Poem Text First Line: I have known nights made wonderful with song Last Line: Is lost forever, song born out of fright! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers BLACK MINNIE, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Black minnie black minnie : you know you ain't doing me right Last Line: And if you don't do : I'm going to break your neck a-trying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK MOTHER PRAYING, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My great god. You been a tenderness to me Last Line: Touch the fulness and the hallelujah together Subject(s): African Americans BLACK MOTHER WOMAN, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I cannot recall you gentle Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers & Daughters; Women BLACK MOTHER WOMAN, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I cannot recall you gentle Last Line: To define myself %through your denials Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers And Daughters; Women BLACK MOUNTAIN BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Back in black mountain %a child will smack your face Last Line: I'm out here for trouble %I've got the black mountain blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK PANTER BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: My baby thinks she's a black panther : she want to climb up in a tree and jump Last Line: Now but some day she going to meet the lion : she ain't going to even have no place to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK PANTHER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pushed into the corner Last Line: Of the oldest %lies Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK PARENT TO CHILD, by NAOMI FLOWE FAUST Poem Source First Line: Your world's wide open Last Line: The world's wide open, child; %walk right in Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life BLACK PEOPLE, by THEODORE JOANS Poem Source First Line: I see black people Last Line: We the black people should be glad Subject(s): African Americans BLACK POET, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: How we are nourished by Last Line: From thorn trees %that were supposed to die Subject(s): African Americans; Hughes, Langston (1902-1967) BLACK PONY BLUES, by ARTHUR BIG BOY CRUDUP Poem Source First Line: I got a coal-black mare : but lord how that horse can run Last Line: Well I'll follow that horse : man in any land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK PRIDE, by MARGARET GOSS BURROUGHS Poem Source First Line: Black pride, black pride, we remember well %how beautiful you used to be Last Line: Like moses, you will lead our people over %and through Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACK ROCK, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of rock 'n' roll Last Line: I see the rhythm of rock 'n' roll %in the energy of the age of aquarius Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music BLACK SATIN STALLION, by PHAVIA KUGICHAGULIA Poem Source Last Line: Onyx jewel %you Subject(s): African Americans BLACK SEED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: World-wide dusk Last Line: Tell them to leave you alone! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK SISTER, by KATTIE M. CUMBO Poem Source First Line: Black skin against bright green Last Line: And boy, you have now become a man. So brother, %proclaim the beauty that you see, in your black sis Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACK SKUNK BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: I caught a pretty little animal : it was striped black and white Last Line: He as pretty as a white dog : but he ain't worth a doggone dime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK SNAKE BLUES, by LOUIS WASHINGTON Poem Source First Line: I'm crying oh : where in the world my black snake gone Last Line: I'm crying oh now : black snake crawling all on my room Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK SNAKE DREAM BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Black snake is deceitful : crawling in all in my bed Last Line: But I'm getting tired of that black snake : lying in my baby's arms Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK SNAKE MOAN, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Hey : ain't got no mama now Last Line: Lord that black snake mama : done run my darling home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK SNAKE SWING, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: That is some black snake : trying to get the best of me Last Line: Mmm : baby you really made me sore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK SOLDIER REMEMBERS, by HORACE COLEMAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My saigon daughter I saw only once Last Line: Silly hats she sells americans and %I have nothing she needs but the %sad smile she already has Alternate Author Name(s): Shaka Aku Shango Subject(s): African Americans; Soldiers; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BLACK SOUL OF THE LAND, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source First Line: I saw an old black men walk down the road Last Line: One day the nation's soul shall turn black like yours %and america shall cease to be its name Subject(s): African Americans BLACK TRAIN BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: My heart is filled with pain : I believe I can't be trained Last Line: That's the same black train : that left me in this pain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK WOMAN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography Last Line: I must not give you birth! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry BLACK WOMAN, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: My hair is springy like the forest grasses Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACK WOMAN, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My hair is springy like the forest grasses Last Line: Where %are my beautiful %black men? Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACK WOMAN IS LIKE A BLACK SNAKE, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: A black woman is like a black snake : she will strike and run Last Line: Because a black girl's evil : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLACK WORKERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The bees work Last Line: But it won't last %forever Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLACK-EYED PEAS FOR LUCK (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One time I went a-huntin' Last Line: An' 'possum come your way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BLACKBERRY SWEET, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Black girl black girl %lips as curved as cherries Last Line: The heart in my breast %jump - stop - shake Variant Title(s): Black Magi Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACKSMITH, by MONIFA ATUNGAYE Poem Source First Line: In chambers filled with bluenote hieroglyphics Last Line: Flowering in melting nights of love Subject(s): African Americans BLACKSTONE RANGERS: 2. THE LEADERS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jeff. Gene. Geronimo. And bop Last Line: Construct, strangely, a monstrous pearl or grace Subject(s): African Americans - Children BLACKSTONE RANGERS: 3. GANG GIRLS; A RANGERETTE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gang girls are sweet exotics Last Line: The rhymes of leaning Subject(s): African Americans - Women BLACKWOMAN POEMS, SELS., by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Soft: the way her eyes view her children Last Line: Sure: as yesterday, she's tomorrow's tomorrow Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Variant Title(s): Blackwoman Poems: Soft, Hard, Warm, Sur Subject(s): African Americans BLAKE'S WORRIED BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : worried in my mind Last Line: That's a bow-legged woman : crazy about a cross-eyed man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLESSING WITH COMPANY PRESENT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh lawd now bless an' bin' us Last Line: Don't let none hongry fin' us Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BLESSING WITHOUT COMPANY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh lawd have mussy now upon us Last Line: Dey eats mos' all our victuals from us Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BLIND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am blind. %I cannot see Last Line: Of one like me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLIND LEMON'S PENITENTIARY BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Take fort worth for you dressing : and dallas all for your sal Last Line: They got walls at the state penitentiary : you can't jump man as hard as you try Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLIND MAN BLUES, by SARA MARTIN Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to marry : I ain't going to settle down Last Line: Every time she shimmies : a skinny woman leaves her home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLIND PIG BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Let me in please charlie : no one here but me Last Line: I'm loaded down with bootleg : like to make them yammies bawl Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLINDFOLD PLAY CHANT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh blin' man! Oh blin' man! Last Line: Did you thought dat you'd cotch us, %mistah blin' man? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BLOCK AND TACKLE, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: My babe got a block and tackle : and I swear I can't get away Last Line: But if you don't want your good gal : ooo well now she will put a block and tackle on you too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLOOD RHYTHMS - BLOOD CURRENTS - BLACK N' BLUE STYLIN, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fragrant breezes in the south Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Conduct Of Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty BLOODKNOT, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Maybe you knew before Last Line: Through memories window Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors And Ancestry; Death; Memory BLUE BAYOU, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went walkin' Last Line: Down, %down, %lawd, I saw the sun go down! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUE BIRD BLUES--PART 1, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Lord I wonder where is my bluebird : wonder where is my bluebird gone Last Line: Now because a good bluebird now babe : peoples I just do swear they's hard to find Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUE COAT BLUES, by BLUE COAT TOM NELSON Poem Source First Line: Hey baby : see what you have done Last Line: For I believe : some dirty rascal stole my jellyroll Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUE EYE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: So many are trying to get what you Last Line: And raw, unpolished gem of my desire Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery BLUE GHOST BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm : something cold is creeping around Last Line: My lover's ghost has got me : and I know my time won't be long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUE GHOST BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm : I feel myself sinking down Last Line: They worry me so in this haunted house : I wish I was dead and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUE GOOSE BLUES, by JESSIE BABYFACE THOMAS Poem Source First Line: If I lose : I'm going get some more Last Line: You find blue goose : happen to carry you down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUE ISLAND, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: The snow blew Last Line: Yards of blue island Subject(s): African Americans - History; Culture Conflict; Ku Klux Klan; Racism; U.s. - Race Relations BLUE KENTUCKY BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: You can always tell : when your best man don't want you around Last Line: Tell her the folks up here : won't let my kentucky man alone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUE LIGHTS IN THE BASEMENT, by PEARL CLEAGE Poem Source First Line: Flashback! Flashback! Flashback! %in high school we used to say Last Line: And wondering what possible sweetness life had to offer %that could be finer than this Subject(s): African Americans BLUE MONDAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No use in my going Last Line: That old blue monday %will surely get you down Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUE SPIRIT BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Had a dream last night : that I was dead Last Line: Run so fast : till someone woke me up Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUEBIRD BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Bluebird bluebird : please fly down south for me Last Line: If I can't see you today : it'll be all right tomorrow night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the shoe strings break Last Line: That's the blues, too, and bad! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUES AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT...???, by GEORGIA+(2) WHITE Poem Source First Line: Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a woman want to see her man Last Line: Falling out with your man : you feel like leaving town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES ALABAMA, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She's blacker Last Line: A blessing of hatred Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; African Americans - Women BLUES AND BITTERNESS, by JR. LERONE BENNETT Poem Source First Line: Ice tinkled in glasses Last Line: I wondered why mama begat me- %and I started to give god his ticket back Subject(s): African Americans BLUES AT DAWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I don't dare start thinking in the morning Last Line: If I recall the day before, %I wouldn't get up no more %so I don't dare start remembering in the mor Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUES BEFORE SUNRISE, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I had the blues before sunrise : with tears standing in my eyes Last Line: I'm going to buy me a hard-shooting pistol : and put her in her grave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES EVERYWHERE I GO, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Well well it's blues : it's blues everywhere I go Last Line: And the blues in my bed : because I'm sleeping by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES FANTASY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hey! Hey! %that's what the %blues singers say Last Line: Hey! ... Hey! %laugh a loud, %hey! Hey! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUES FOR BESSIE, by MYRON O'HIGGINS Poem Text First Line: Let de peoples known (unnh) / what they did in dat southern town Last Line: Wid de blood (lawd) a-streamin' down Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Racism; Singing & Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937); Social Protest; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry BLUES FOR HAROLD, by RAY BREMSER Poem Source First Line: You took Last Line: Blow now / harold; %take yr/solo ... Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Drugs And Drug Abuse; Jazz; Music And Musicians BLUES HARVEST BLUES, by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: Standing on the mountain : far as I can see Last Line: With my heavy burden : lord I wished I was dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES IN D, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: And I'm going and I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay Last Line: ??? Shoulders : nice and cute through the waist Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES IN STEREO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your number's coming out! Last Line: My tv keeps on snowing Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUES IS ALL WRONG, by LEOLA MANNING Poem Source First Line: *feel like voting* : fall in line Last Line: You got the *train* : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES NOTE, by BOB KAUFMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ray charles is the black wind of kilimanjaro Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Charles, Ray (b. 1930) BLUES NOTE, by BOB KAUFMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ray charles is the black wind of kilimanjaro Last Line: Ray charles is a dangerous man ('way cross town), %and I love him Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Charles, Ray (b. 1930) BLUES ON A BOX, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Play your guitar, boy Last Line: Ain't no more! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BLUES ON CENTRAL AVENUE, by JOE TURNER Poem Source First Line: I'm in the land of sunshine : standing on central avenue Last Line: I'll always remember : I met you on central avenue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BLUES WITHOUT A DIME, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Bad luck and trouble : and the blues without a dime Last Line: Because every day's like sunday : I mean she's always got a dollar in her hand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BO BO STOMP, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Come on boy : let's go down on tenth street Last Line: Boy you liable to slip up : and fall on your yas yas yas Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BO CARTER SPECIAL, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Bo carter is a man : broadcasts all over this land Last Line: But to that broadcasting bo carter : their women they are bound to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BO CARTER'S ADVICE, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now listen here men : what bo carter say for you to do Last Line: Just learn to live a bachelor : then you play safe the first Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BO-WEAVIL BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Hey boll weevil : don't sing the blues no more Last Line: That bug is so evil : I'm afraid it might poison me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOARDING HOUSE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The graveyard is the Last Line: Let the graveyard be the %cheapest boarding house Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BOB LEE JUNIOR BLUES, by JENNIE CLAYTON Poem Source First Line: I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't stay awake for crying Last Line: But the same train carried him : going to bring him back some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOB MCKINNEY, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: One of these mornings : won't be long Last Line: I'm looking for that bully : and that bully can't be found Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOB-WHITE'S SONG (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: At can -! Dle -! Light! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BODY & SOUL, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: A band of men: clan Last Line: His splendorous cape Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) BODY AND SOUL (TAKE 1), by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: 29-aug Last Line: Live, she said, for him Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) BODY AND SOUL (TAKE 2), by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Abandon all hype Last Line: Not inductee, but goat. Butt %altar meat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) BOLLY-O (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Way down in de hills an' a 'bolly-o' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BOMBINGS IN DIXIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's not enough to mourn Last Line: That men be burned to death - %and bless the fire Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BONDS FOR ALL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Buy a bond for grandma -- Last Line: With war bonds for all Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; War Bonds BONDS: IN MEMORIAM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Eddie and charlie and jack and ted Last Line: Keep looking that way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BOODIE BUM BUM, by CHARLIE BURSE Poem Source First Line: Oh tell me baby : where did you stay last night Last Line: You don't know how to boodle-bum-bum : I know you didn't do it nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOODLE-DE-BUM BUM, by BLIND BOGUS BEN COVINGTON Poem Source First Line: I went down in the alley : trying to sell my coke today Last Line: And jackson got down like a raindeer : and he runned her some Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOOGER BOOGER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I drived to the station : woman I bid you all adieu Last Line: If you ever shift that habit : now I can't keep my business straight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOOGIE: 1 A.M., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good evening, daddy! / I know you've heard Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BOOGIE: 1 A.M., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good evening, daddy! %I know you've heard Last Line: And twining the bass %into midnight ruffles %of cat-gut lace Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BOOKER T. AND W.E.B., by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It seems to me,' said booker t Last Line: I don't agree,' %said w.E.B. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - History; Du Bois, William Edward B. (1868-1963); Reform And Reformers; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915); Writing And Writers BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The word is writ that he who runs may read Last Line: Like the keen prow of some on-forging ship. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915); Black Heritage BOOKER T. WASHINGTON'S METAPHOR ABOUT SPRING, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: The house will clear out and the sun will flood over Subject(s): African Americans - History; Spring; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915) BOOSTER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: My right foot itches : something going on wrong Last Line: I'm fixing to leave town : and hang crepe on your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOOTIN' ME 'BOUT, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I got a brownskin mama : she built right to the ground Last Line: Because I'm a fool about that woman : don't want nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOOTLEG RUM DUM BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I love my whiskey : crazy about it as I can be Last Line: If you see me reeling : mama go hide in your trunk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOOTLEGGING BLUES, by JIM JACKSON Poem Source First Line: This corn liquor ??? : there's plenty more to be made Last Line: I haven't nothing so long as corn liquor lasts : and I got no money to spend Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BORDER LINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I used to wonder / about living and dying Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BORDER LINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I used to wonder %about living and dying Last Line: I think the distance %is nowhere Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BOSTON YEAR, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: My first week in cambridge a car full of white boys Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Americans; Boston; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; United States; Estrangement; Outcasts; America BOSTON YEAR, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My first week in cambridge a car full of white boys Last Line: No one. Red notes sounding in a grey trolley town Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Americans; Boston; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; United States BOTHER BEN AND SISTER SAL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole br'er ben's a mighty ole man Last Line: Don't you see dat ole gray goose %a-smilin' at de gander? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BOTHERIN' THAT THING, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: I went to my window : my window was *cracked* Last Line: Bothering that thing : is going to kill you dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOTTLED, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Upstairs on the third floor / of the 135th street library / in harlem Last Line: Gee, that poor shine! Variant Title(s): Bottled: New York Subject(s): African Americans - Women BOUGHT ME A WIFE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Bought me a wife an' de wife please me Last Line: My cat go: 'fiddle-toe! Fiddle-toe!' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BOUND NO'TH BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Goin' down the road, lawd Last Line: Fit fer a hoppin' toad. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (mood); Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks BOUND TO PUT ON AIRS (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I love dat gal dat deey call suze ann Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BOUQUET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gather quickly Last Line: Before they melt %like snow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BOX CAR BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Every time : I see a railroad track Last Line: Ride me ride me : sooth my boxcar blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BOY FRIEND BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I'm alone : traveling by myself Last Line: Ever since you been gone : you sure is worrying me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BRAG AND BOAST, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Brag is a big dog Last Line: He hain't never no worker Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BRAND NEW CLOTHES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mama told me Last Line: With my brand new %clothes on Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BRASS SPITTOONS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Clean the spittoons, boy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BRASS SPITTOONS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Clean the spittoons, boy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BREAD BAKER, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: She's got a bed in her bedroom : it shines like a morning star Last Line: Because in your kitchen baby : it's where the good stuff can be found Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BREAK 'EM ON DOWN, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Yes I'm a gambling man : still gambling yet Last Line: Take them down boys : because you know this stuff is here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BREATH OF A ROSE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Love is like dew Last Line: Than the breath of a rose Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BRIDGE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have forgotten the head Last Line: (when you have let the song run out) will be sliding through %unmentionable black Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans BRIDLE UP A RAT (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Down go de baby wid 'is big straw hat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BRIDWELL BLUES, by NOLAN WELSH Poem Source First Line: I was standing on the corner : did not mean no harm Last Line: I said don't do me this a-way people : you know I been here before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BRIEF ENCOUNTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was lookin' for a sandwich, judge Last Line: She was de wrongest thing, judge, %that I ever had Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BRING ON YOUR HOT CORN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Bring along yo hot co'n Last Line: I loves dat jimmy-john Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BRING THEM HOME, by ANEB KGOSITSILE Poem Source First Line: 350 thousand gone Last Line: Father, brother, son, prisoners of war - %bring them home Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism BROADCAST ON ETHIOPIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The little fox is still Last Line: In headlines all year long %ethiopia -- tragi-song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BROADCAST TO THE WEST INDIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hello, jamaica! %hello, haiti! Last Line: Hello,! Hello! %hello, west indies Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BROADWAY ST. WOMAN BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: I was standing on the corner : just between broadway and main Last Line: And the judge said hold you head up : for you are bound to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uh! I sho am tired Last Line: Yes, um-hum! You sho is sweet! Can you pay fo de license, dear? %'cause I'm broke Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BROKE AND HUNGRY, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I am broke and hungry : ragged and dirty too Last Line: So I can leave at once : and hunt me somewhere else to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE DOWN ENGINE, by LONNIE CLARK Poem Source First Line: If you ever been down mama : you know just how I feel Last Line: Go out on some railroad track : and rob your daddy a passenger train Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE DOWN ENGINE, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Feel like a broke down engine : mama ain't got no driving-wheel Last Line: Can I get off *sneak living and tapping* : playing tip light across your floor Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE DOWN ENGINE BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving-wheel Last Line: If you's a real hot mama : drive away daddy's weeping spell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE MAN BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Well I dreamed last night now : that my old shack was falling down Last Line: And a since I been a broke man : nobody seems to want to go my way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE MAN BLUES, by SYLVESTER PALMER Poem Source First Line: I know just how baby : lord a broke man feels Last Line: Because I been broke baby : and I got these broke man blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKE MAN'S BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Just another evening : wasted away Last Line: If I could get you back : mama I wouldn't need nothing more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKEN BUSTED BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I've got those broken busted blues : I feel bad Last Line: I've got those can't be treated blues : gee I'm sad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKEN HEARTED BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I'm broke and I'm hungry : ragged and I'm dirty too Last Line: Now when your big dog comes : I want you to tell him what your little dog done done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKEN-HEARTED MAN, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Minutes seem like hours : and hours seem like years Last Line: Now I ain't never loved no woman : like I loved you yet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROKEN-HEARTED, RAGGED AND DIRTY TOO, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I'm broken-hearted : ragged and dirty too Last Line: You know I'm bound to ??? : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BRONZE LEGACY (TO A BROWN BOY), by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: Tis a noble gift to be brown, all brown Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BRONZEVILLE MOTHER LOITERS IN MISSISSIPPI, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the first it had been like a %ballad Last Line: The rest of the rugged music. %the last quatrain Subject(s): African Americans - Women BRONZEVILLE WOMAN IN A RED HAT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had never had one in the house before Last Line: Child, big black woman, pretty kitchen towels Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Household Employees; Servants; Domestics; Maids BRONZEVILLE WOMAN IN A RED HAT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had never had one in the house before Last Line: Child, big black woman, pretty kitchen towels Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Household Employees BROOKLYN BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Since we been apart : ??? Seems strange to me Last Line: You going to want me baby : just for company Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROOKLYN ELDER, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Bones bent and curled Last Line: A three legged bop, over rugged ice Subject(s): African Americans; Memory; Old Age BROTHER BAPTIS' ON WOMAN SUFFRAGE, by ROSALIE M. JONAS Poem Source First Line: When hit come ter de question er de female vote Last Line: Case de tears er de mudder, nur de sign, er da cross %ain't shame all de debbil yit, outen de boss! Subject(s): African Americans - Women BROTHER JAMES, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Brother james went out riding : riding in that twenty-nine ford Last Line: I will be at the *official table* : ooo well when *they send* brother james *my way* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROTHERLY LOVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In line of what my folks say in montgomery Last Line: I'm gonna love you -- yes, I will! Or bust! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BROTHERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We're related you and I Last Line: You from africa, %I from the u.S.A. %brothers you and I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BROWN AESTHETE SPEAKS, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: No: I am neither seeking to change nor keep myself Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women BROWN AND YELLOW WOMAN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I'm going to get me a brownskin woman : lord and let all the yellow ones go Last Line: I was so glad of that : ooo well I didn't like her lowdown ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROWN BABY, by JR. OSCAR BROWN Poem Source First Line: Brown baby, brown baby, as you grow up I Last Line: Live in a better world %brown baby Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music BROWN BOMBER, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: Fist: joe louis the brown Last Line: Fighting from radio to radio Subject(s): African Americans; Boxing And Boxers; Louis, Joe (1914-1981); Sports BROWN GIRL DEAD, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With two white roses on her breasts Last Line: To see herself tonight Subject(s): African Americans BROWN RIVER, SMILE, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is a new america Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BROWN RIVER, SMILE, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is a new america Last Line: It is a new america, %to be spiritualized by each new american Subject(s): African Americans BROWN SKIN GIRL, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Now I got a brownskin [girl, woman] : with her front tooth crowned with gold Last Line: Just a little bit of loving : and then you can be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROWN SKIN GIRLS, by CRIPPLE CLARENCE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: Got a gang of brownskin womens : bunch of high yellows too Last Line: She wears a bearcat skin : she got a suit of navy blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROWN-SKIN, by CHARLES ELMER HUBER Poem Text First Line: Everywhere a black face beams Last Line: Is that brown skin. Subject(s): African Americans; Culture Conflict; Negroes; American Blacks BROWNSKIN MAMA BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Brownskin mama : what in the world you want me to do Last Line: That's the reason why : I'm moaning these brownskin mama blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BROWNSVILLE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I can straighten your wires : you know poor vasser can grind your valves Last Line: Because I'm acquainted with john law : and they won't let me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUCK AND BERRY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Buck an' berry run a race Last Line: So he died wid choleree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BUCK-EYED RABBIT! WHOOPEE! (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing Last Line: Squir'l's got a long way to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BUCKET'S GOT A HOLE IN IT, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: When you walking down thirty-first street : you had better look around Last Line: Going to drink good liquor : and let all women be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUDDIE BROWN BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Captain rung the bell this morning : just at the break of day Last Line: Says I'm going to eat my breakfast : please and lay back down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUDDY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That kid's my buddy Last Line: Anything he wants out of it Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BUDGET, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If I lives to see nex' spring Last Line: I'se gwineter spen' my money on myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BUG JUICE BLUES, by KID PRINCE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Love my bug juice : just as crazy about it as I can be Last Line: ??? : mama I'm going to hide in your trunk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUILT RIGHT ON THE GROUND, by BLIND DARBY Poem Source First Line: I never cried : till my baby got on the train Last Line: Little babe done quit me : and I'll give on up to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUKKA'S JITTERBUG SWING, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Hey come on you women : let's a-do the jitterbug swing Last Line: Hey : please ma'am don't say uh-oh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BULL COW, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: If you got you a bullcow : *feed her morning grass* Last Line: I been all out in the country : with my big bell on Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BULL COW BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: If you got a good bullcow : better feed him every day Last Line: Lord at daybreak call me baby : you'll find your bullcow gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BULL DOZE BLUES, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I'm going away babe : and it won't be long Last Line: If you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a fool I've been Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BULL FROG BLUES, by WILLIE HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Have you ever woke up with them bullfrogs on your mind Last Line: The sun going to shine : in my back door some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BULL FROG BLUES, by JENNY POPE Poem Source First Line: Hey hey hey hey : bullfrog blues is really on my mind Last Line: And you can cook a breakfast : right on my brand new stove Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BULLFROG PUT ON THE SOLDIER CLOTHES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' de bullfrog shoot at 'em all nex' day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BUMBLE BEE, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Bumblebee bumblebee : where is you been so long Last Line: It's all I want now : my bumblebee just to stay at home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUMBLE BEE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Bumblebee bumblebee : won't you please come back to me Last Line: He had me to the place : where I wish to god that I could die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUNKER HILL BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now old bunker hill : place that I [long, wants] to stay Last Line: If you don't treat me right mama : you can't *treat* nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BURDEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is not weariness Last Line: To song without sound Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans BURY THEM, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bury the dragon's teeth! Last Line: Fighting against great god. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Fort Wagner, Battle Of (1863); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; United States - History BURYING GROUND BLUES, by MOOCH RICHARDSON Poem Source First Line: Well I went up on the mountain : give my horn a blow Last Line: Lord these ain't like the shoes I got on the gutter : hole right in the bottom Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUS RIDER BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: Going the catch that old greyhound : going to ride from town going to ride from Last Line: Then I will be your santy claus : says even if my whiskers says even if my whiskers ain't white Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUSCHER GARDEN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: All a night, me da watch a brother wayrum Last Line: Me a beg a me buscher a pardon Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BUSHMAN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It is a long night, I have Last Line: Black, %triple %vision %never leaves Subject(s): African Americans - History; Basquiat, Jean-michel (1960-1988); Freedom; Paintings And Painters; Puerto Rico; Slavery BUSINESS OF PURSUIT: SAN MALO'S PRAYER: 1, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You walk the high road Last Line: Your dying prayer, %brother Subject(s): African Americans BUSINESS OF PURSUIT: SAN MALO'S PRAYER: 2, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The night is a bastard gleaming Last Line: I call my prayers about me and I act Subject(s): African Americans BUSINESS OF PURSUIT: SAN MALO'S PRAYER: 3, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The night is long Last Line: A-slashing and a-hacking through the dark Subject(s): African Americans BUSINESS OF PURSUIT: SAN MALO'S PRAYER: 4, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Big river %big muddy Last Line: And black as night Subject(s): African Americans BUSINESS OF PURSUIT: SAN MALO'S PRAYER: 5, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I say it is all the same Last Line: I set my light on the altar of san malo Subject(s): African Americans BUST UP BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : couldn't even walk in my shoes Last Line: Now that's the thanks you give me : you left me with those bust up blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUSY BOOTIN', by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Busy bootin : and you can't come in Last Line: You tell what you see : don't you call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUTTER AND EGG MAN BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Everybody in town : got a butter and egg man but me Last Line: Because my weakness is pretty women : keep me with the butter and egg blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BUTTERFLY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Pretty liddle butterfly, yaller as de gold Last Line: But you know I'se bound to git you, yet, my liddle butterfly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BUY FLOWERS FOR ME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: When but a small lad, I had a bad dad Last Line: Til death came and carried him away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BY THE MOON AND STARS, by LOUISE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: ??? : I saw the moon go down Last Line: Now I just want to tell you : black man how you have treated me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BYANSWAH-BYANSWAHN OR A BOAT SONG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh boat, come back to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs BYE BYE BABY BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: Which a-way which a-way : do that blood red river run Last Line: There's one in my bosom : t'other one in my heart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BYE BYE BABY BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: Well I'm leaving sweet baby : can't carry you Last Line: But I know she realized the trouble : since she met another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BYE-BYE BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Crying by-and-by : baby by-and-by Last Line: You got my woman : babe I know you're satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) BYE-O (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Bye oh, bye oh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs C AND A BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: It's a little train leaving out of here : they call the c and a Last Line: Why did I leave you baby : because I'm tired of taking you dogging Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) C AND A BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Well now let me tell you people : what the c and a will do for you Last Line: Well well well going to send it up the country : mama now to see if my little girl there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) C AND O BLUES, by BLIND JOE AMOS Poem Source First Line: Did you ever wake up: between midnight and day Last Line: I love you baby: don't care what you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) C. C. RIDER, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: See see rider : see what you done done Last Line: Let me be your sidetrack : till your mainline comes Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CABARET, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rich, flashy, puffy-faced / hebrew and anglo-saxon Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Jazz; Music & Musicians CABARET, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rich, flashy, puffy-faced %hebrew and anglo-saxon Last Line: Is a bitter reminder of death %dee da dee daaaah Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians CABARET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Does a jazz-band ever sob Last Line: When the little dawn was grey Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CAFE: 3 A.M., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Detectives from the vice squad Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Gays & Lesbians; Negroes; American Blacks; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men CAFE: 3 A.M., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Detectives from the vice squad Last Line: Police lady or lesbian %over there? %where? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Homosexuality CAIRO BLUES, by HENRY SPAULDING Poem Source First Line: Cairo : cairo is my baby's home Last Line: I'm going home : and I swear and it won't be long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CALEDONIA, by COLLEEN JOHNSON MCELROY Poem Source First Line: The way I hear tell aunt jennie Last Line: Until I've learned that love, like hate %is always acted out Subject(s): African Americans - Women CALIFORNIA BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: How long how long : how long my train been gone Last Line: Honey I'm from missouri : you have to *side* me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CALIFORNIA DESERT BLUES, by LANE HARDIN Poem Source First Line: Now I was just sitting here wondering : where I would go get some ease Last Line: Now the people in los angeles : they didn't know what it's all about Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CALL IN THE MIDST OF THE CROWD: APRIL. BILLIE'S BLUES, by ALFRED DEWITT CORN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Their red lamps make a childlike stab Last Line: Him. Sounds universal to me Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; New York City; Singing And Singers CALL OF ETHIOPIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ethiopia %lift your night-dark face Last Line: All you black peoples, %be free! Be free! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CALL TO CREATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen! %all you beauty-makers Last Line: Let beauty be Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CALL YOUR NAME, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Have you ever been low in spirits : mama and you didn't know what was on your m Last Line: Lord you know the way that you left me : mama it almost broke my heart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CALL-TO-ACTION POEM, by JENNIFER E. SMITH Poem Source First Line: I watch you walk a funny kinda Last Line: Believe in black %believe in power Subject(s): African Americans; Brutus, Dennis CALLIN' CORRINE, by FRANKIE HALF PINT JAXON Poem Source First Line: Ain't you getting tired : of [trying to cheat, cheating] on your papa hon' Last Line: Got a corrine in harlem : make a rabbit hug a hound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CALLING, by FORREST HAMER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: 1. Text: a slave ship sinks in the atlantic, 1749 Last Line: Because his own body sometimes bends, %voices beckoning Subject(s): African Americans - History CALLING DREAMS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The right to make my dreams come true Last Line: And stride into the morning-break! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Dreams; Negroes; American Blacks; Nightmares CAMEO, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As a child, I would awaken dark mornings Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping CAMEO, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As a child, I would awaken dark mornings Last Line: Of her throat, hard enough to bruise. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping CAN'T BE TRUSTED BLUES, by SYLVESTER WEAVER Poem Source First Line: I don't love nobody : that's my policy Last Line: Got ways like the devil : papa's *sneaking* on all fours Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CAN'T MAKE ANOTHER DAY, by EDITH NORTH JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: All this world's against me : I believe my baby is too Last Line: That's what it takes to ease my mind : and stop all my tears Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CAN'T SEE YOUR FACE, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Your picture has faded : mama that hangs up on the wall Last Line: But now you gone and left me : and I can't see your face at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CAN'T YOU LINE IT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: When I get in illinois Last Line: How do he know that the time is right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music CANARY, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Billie holiday's burned voice Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Drugs & Drug Abuse; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Narcotics; Opium; Cocaine; Crack; Heroin; Songs CANARY, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Billie holiday's burned voice Last Line: If you can't be free, be a mystery Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Drugs And Drug Abuse; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers CANDY BLUES, by LEM JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I left my baby : standing in the doorway crying Last Line: When one pretty woman quits me : I'll have three Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CANDY MAN BLUES, by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: Want all you ladies : all gather around Last Line: It just gets better : so the ladies say Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CANNED HEAT BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Crying canned heat mama : sure lord killing me Last Line: Believe to my soul : lord it going to kill me dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CAPE COAST CASTLE REVISITED, by JO ANN HALL-EVANS Poem Source First Line: Though you are a continent and two seasons away Last Line: To face the still shackling ways of this strange, distant land Subject(s): African Americans - Women CAPTAIN COON: 1 (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Captain coon's a mighty man Last Line: Till he's feared ole rober'll bite Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CAPTAIN COON: 2 (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Raccoon is a mighty man Last Line: Until he hears old beaver bark Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CAPTAIN JIM REES AN' THE KATIE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CARE IN BREAD-MAKING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en you sees dat gal o' mine Last Line: To roll up 'er dirty sleeves Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CARELESS LOVE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Love, oh love, oh careless love, love, oh love Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CARIBBEAN SUNSET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God having a hemorrhage Last Line: That is sunset in the caribbean Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CAROL OF THE BROWN KING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of the three wise men Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The CAROL OF THE BROWN KING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of the three wise men Last Line: Part of his %nativity Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas CAROLINA CABIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's hanging moss %and holly Last Line: Where two people %make a home Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CARP POEM, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After I have parked below the spray paint caked in the granite Last Line: Packed so close they might have eaten each other had there been nothing else to eat Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; African Americans; Youth; Poetry & Poets; Convicts; Negroes; American Blacks CARPENTER BEE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All winter long I have passed Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping CARPENTER BEE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All winter long I have passed Last Line: Each in its separate cell-snug, ordered, certain Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping CARRY IT RIGHT BACK HOME, by ED BELL Poem Source First Line: Look here woman : making me mad Last Line: You left a man on the doorstep : hollering and crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CARRY ME BACK TO OLD VIRGINNY', by ELMA EHRLICH LEVINGER Poem Source First Line: That's right: keep on singing, 'carry me back to old virginny' Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women CARRYIN' SACKS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: I'm goin' up the rivuh to carry them sacks Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CARVIN' THE BIRD, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Taking good care your Last Line: Listen at you blow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) CASCADES FOR SCOTT JOPLIN, by BARON JAMES ASHANTI Poem Source First Line: When an ivory moon deals aces Last Line: Be he is more - so much more %than rancor and the north wind's sterile ear Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Joplin, Scott (1668-1917) CASUAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Death don't ring no doorbells Last Line: And don't ring no bell Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CAT AND THE SAXOPHONE (2 A.M.), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Everybody %half-pint, -- gin Last Line: Sweet me. %charleston, %mamma Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CAT MAN BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Cat man cat man : stay away from my house at night Last Line: If the cat man is got nine lives : he going to need them when I get through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CATCH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Big boy came Last Line: To carry - %half fish, %half girl %to marry Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CATFISH BLUES, by ROBERT PETWAY Poem Source First Line: Well I lay down last night : well I tried to take my rest Last Line: See if my baby my baby : do she thinking of little old thing of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CATS GOT THE MEASLES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now the cat's got the measles : dog's got the whooping cough Last Line: But the women cry papa : just because I take my time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CAUGHT BY THE WITCH PLAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Molly, molly, molly-bright Last Line: Or de witches'll git yer Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CAUGHT THE OLD COON AT LAST, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Here I am : head over heels in love again Last Line: Woman I don't believe I could be any happier : if I were living in heaven above Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CAVE MAN BLUES, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: Mr caveman : doggone your caving soul Last Line: And I'll dig and dig : till my good gal comes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CELEBRATION, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Summer days disrupted by trickster's Last Line: Dies in full view, while they celebrate Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Churches; Worship CELL BOUND BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Hey jailor : tell me what I have done Last Line: That's what I said : I got those cell bound blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CENTRAL AVENUE BLUES, by WILL DAY Poem Source First Line: I'm going to build me a little mansion : on central avenue Last Line: Some little brownskin woman : *stepping* in my way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CENTRAL TRACKS BLUES, by WILLIAM MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Mmm : what's the matter now Last Line: Oh just hand me my suitcase : I'll leave your dallas town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CEREMONY, by KATTIE M. CUMBO Poem Source First Line: At the ceremony of emobo Last Line: As muslims in the north %fast for ramadan %I wait for the new year Subject(s): African Americans - Women CEREMONY, by JOHARI M. KUNJUFU Poem Source First Line: Libation %hey sisters, we the color of our men Last Line: We the %libation Subject(s): African Americans - Women CHAIN, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Faces surround me that have no smell or color no time Last Line: How do I learn to love her %as you have loved me? Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Child Molesting; Incest CHAIN GANG TROUBLE, by CHARLEY LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: I asked my captain : for the time of day Last Line: Nothing I can get : but bad news Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHALK-DUST, by LILLIAN BYRNES Poem Source First Line: I am tired of chalk-dust Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women CHAMP VS. COOPMAN, by BETH BROWN PRESTON Poem Source First Line: Here comes the champ muhammad ali Last Line: He really does his thing when it comes to the ring Subject(s): African Americans; Ali, Muhammad (cassius Clay); Boxing And Boxers CHANGE MY LUCK BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Hey hey mama : that rider's done and gone Last Line: I'm going to be gone mama : so I can change my luck Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHANGE MY MIND BLUES, by CRIPPLE CLARENCE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: If I change my mind jane : I'll change my mind once again Last Line: Good as I have been to you darling : now I can't get the things I need Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHANT FOR MAY DAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first of may: Last Line: Till the forces of the earth are yours %from this hour Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHANT FOR TOM MOONEY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tom mooney! %tom mooney! Last Line: Will be the name %tom mooney Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHARLIE PARKER, 1989, by WILLIAM WITHERUP Poem Source First Line: Art is labor; art is rage Last Line: Scoot your butts in the dirt Subject(s): African Americans - History; Blacks; Labor And Laborers CHARMIN' BETSY, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I'm going around the mountain charming betsy : going around the mountain to lea Last Line: Black gal rides in an old airship : but she riding just the same Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHEIK ANTA DIOP: POEM FOR THE LIVING, by MWATABU OKANTAH Poem Source First Line: To who do I say Last Line: For the living. Africa Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History; Ancestors And Ancestry CHERRY BALL, by MISSISSIPPI BRACEY Poem Source First Line: I'm going to give my baby : no more cherry ball Last Line: Ain't got nobody to love me : nobody to feel my care Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHERRY BALL BLUES, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: I love my cherry ball : better than I love myself Last Line: I'm going to ride and ramble : till cherry come back to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHERRY BALL BLUES, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Ain't going to give you : no more cherry ball Last Line: I can do your driving : till that driver comes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHERRY STREET BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: Just as sure as the train comes in san antone : then ease up in the yard Last Line: Well I'll tell you men something : know you ain't going to think it's so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHICAGO BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chicago is a town Last Line: How good the ground feels Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHICAGO DEFENDER SENDS A MAN TO LITTLE ROCK, FALL, 1957, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In little rock the people bear %babes, and comb and part their hair Last Line: The loveliest lynchee was our lord Variant Title(s): The Chicago Defender Sends A Man To Little Roc Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement CHICAGO'S CONGO, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chicago is an overgrown woman Subject(s): Chicago; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks CHICKASAW TRAIN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I might tell everybody : what that chicksaw have done done for me Last Line: And she start picking up men : all up and down this line Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHICKEN IN THE BREAD TRAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Auntie, will yo' dog bite? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CHICKEN PIE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you wants to make an ole nigger feel good Last Line: Dat I gits be bigges' slice Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CHILD OF MYSELF, by PATRICIA PARKER Poem Source First Line: From cavities of bones Last Line: The child of myself Alternate Author Name(s): Parker, Pat Subject(s): African American Lesbians; African Americans - Women; Homosexuality CHILDHOOD, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a child I knew red miners Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Mines & Miners; Southern States; South (u.s.) CHILDHOOD, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a child I knew red miners Last Line: Where sentiment and hatred still held sway %and only bitter land was washed away Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Mines And Miners; Southern States CHILDREN COMING HOME, SELS., by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Alphabet Verse; Ancestors And Ancestry CHILDREN OF THE POOR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: People who have no children can be hard Last Line: But reaching is his rule Variant Title(s): People Who Have No Children Can Be Har Subject(s): African Americans CHILDREN'S RHYMES (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a chile we used to play Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Children's Hymns Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks CHILDREN'S RHYMES (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a chile we used to play Last Line: Oop-pop-a-da! %be-bop! %salt'peanuts! %de-bop! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Children's Hymn Subject(s): African Americans CHILDREN'S SEATING RHYME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You set outside, an' ketch de cow-hide Last Line: You set 'round about, an' git scrouged out Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CHILLEN GET SHOES, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hush little lily Last Line: You'll be like moll, too, %bye and bye Subject(s): African Americans - Children CHINCH BUG BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I never feel uneasy : I know how you love your tricks Last Line: All of ??? *lord* : here with the chinch bug blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHIPPY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rose of neon darkness Last Line: Facing a two-bit %december Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHOCK HOUSE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: So many wagons : they have cut that good road down Last Line: She's a fine looking fair brown : but she ain't never learned from lemon's rule Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHOCOLATE TO THE BONE, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: So glad I'm brownskin : chocolate to the bone Last Line: But that brownskin gal : with her coal-black dreamy eyes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHOO CHOO BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: The sound of a train : fills my heart with misery Last Line: I'm going back to dixie : if I have to crawl all the way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHORD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shadow faces %in the shadow night Last Line: Before the early dawn, bops bright Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHRIST IN ALABAMA (GRAPHIC INTERPRETATION), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Christ is a nigger Last Line: On the cross of the south Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Christ In Alabam Subject(s): African Americans CHRISTIAN COUNTRY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God slumbers in a back alley Last Line: Come on, god, get up and fight %like a man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHRISTMAS EVE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Now it's the day before christmas : mama won't you hear me moan Last Line: I'm going to be your santa claus : even if my whiskers ain't white Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHRISTMAS EVE: NEARING MIDNIGHT IN NEW YORK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The christmas trees are almost all sold Last Line: Awaits the morning of the child Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CHRISTMAS MORNING BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Well it was on one christmas morning : *t-bird's* christmas coming back again Last Line: Well now be sure to do what I told you : santa claus before I tell you goodbye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHRISTMAS STORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell again the christmas story Last Line: Mary's son in straw and glory: %wonder of the christmas story! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas CHRISTMAS TIME BLUES, by BUCK TURNER Poem Source First Line: Santa claus: what is you going to bring Last Line: And teach him to follow my baby : everywhere she goes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHRISTMAS TURKEY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I prayed to de lawd for tucky-o Last Line: An' I brung my tucky home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CHRISTMAS VALENTINE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: I asked mama Last Line: Merry christmas, mama Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Love; Mothers CHUCK WILL'S WIDOW SONG (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh nimber, nimber will-o! Last Line: Don't hurt de liddle babies; dey is too sweet to kill-o Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CHURCH BELL BLUES, by LUKE JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the psalms Last Line: She had a nerve to ask me : would a matchbox hold my clothes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHURCH BELLS BLUES, by LUKE JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the psalms Last Line: You going to run over some of these mornings : papa swear you can't get in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CHURCH BURNING, by RICHARD FOERSTER Poem Source First Line: Already it is almost nothing, a darkness Last Line: With a guttural spark: niggers, niggers. %his ancient prayer flares Subject(s): African Americans; Churches; Fire; Georgia (state) CIGARETTE BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Says now come over here sweet baby : because I'm all alone Last Line: My cigarette ain't too big : and you know it ain't too long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CINDERELLA, by RUBY C. SAUNDERS Poem Source First Line: I will be patient while my lord Last Line: All praises are due to allah for the lamb Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Sin CIRCLES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The circles spin round Last Line: Ourselves upside down Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CITIZEN CAIN, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the great northwest, always, my grandfather warned me Last Line: Roi, baby, you blew the whole thing Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism CLAN MEETING: BIRTH AND NATIONS: A BLOOD SING, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We reconstruct lives in the intensive Last Line: We take our bundle and go home Subject(s): African Americans; Klu Klux Klan; Negroes; American Blacks CLANDESTINE LETTER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Kind miss: if I sent you a letter Last Line: Fer dat's mo' secretter Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CLARA, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: She was music whole note Last Line: Melody and lyric in one Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music CLASS ROOM, by VIRGINIA A. HOUSTON Poem Source First Line: Behind him a picture Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women CLAY, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Killed %by a white woman Last Line: What he is %today Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans CLEAN UP AT HOME, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: I washed my clothes : I hanged them by the fire Last Line: All you got to do : act kind of nice Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CLEARING HOUSE BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: It seems to me : as if I'm all broke down Last Line: Since I lost all my change : I lost my sealskin brown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CLOSING TIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Starter! %her face is pale Last Line: To a little drowned girl Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CLOTHES YOU COLOR, by (MALIKA) ODESSA DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Man, you sure look good in that black! Last Line: But your heart be another matter, %a thing of mystery Subject(s): African Americans CLOUDY SKY BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: It seem cloudy brown : I believe it's going to rain Last Line: You can hunt you another home : because she don't want you no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COACH, by SATIAFA Poem Source First Line: Magical roles you played Last Line: I will dance my tributes %'on the sunny side of the street' Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers COAL, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I / is the total black, being spoken / from the earth's inside Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Language; Words; Vocabulary COAL, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I %is the total black, being spoken %from the earth's inside Last Line: Now take my word for jewel in the open light Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Language COAL MAN BLUES, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : about five o'clock Last Line: Don't believe I'm leaving : count the day I'm gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COAL MAN BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I get up early in the morning : sweet mama and I comb and currymy horse Last Line: Some standing on the corner : trying to get themselves in jail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COAL OIL BLUES, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: Woke up early this morning : got out of my bed Last Line: Before the rising sun come : sure won't *scarcely know* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COAL RIVER BLUES, by UNKNOWN+204 Poem Source First Line: Going up coal river : coming down no more Last Line: I got the blues so bad pretty mama : I can't *gee* away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COCAINE BLUES, by LUKE JORDAN Poem Source First Line: I'm going gal : don't you take me for no fool Last Line: The doctors say it'll kill you : but they didn't say when Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COCAINE HABIT BLUES, by BEN RAMEY Poem Source First Line: Cocaine habit : is mighty bad Last Line: Strut your stuff : long as you please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COCKEYED WORLD, by MINNIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : feeling mighty sad Last Line: I tell the cockeyed world : I'll follow you to your grave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COCKTAIL MAN BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Good morning people : just got back from cocktail land Last Line: But now when it comes to mixing cocktails : ooo well here's the little cocktail man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COFFEE GRINDER BLUES, by JAYBIRD COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: I'm going to grind my coffee : two or three dollars a pound Last Line: I'm a coffee=grinding fool : now let me grind you some Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COFFEE GRINDIN' BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: It ain't nobody in town : can grind their coffee like mine Last Line: And I'm a coffee-grinding mama : won't you let me grind you some Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COFFEE GROWS ON WHITE FOLKS' TREES (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: So dat yeller gal loves dat high-hat dandy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COFFEE POT BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: You can always tell : when your good gal don't want to be seen Last Line: Because my throat's got dry : swear my tonsil's sore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COFFIN BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Daddy oh daddy : won't you answer me please Last Line: And it hurts me so bad : to tell the man I love goodbye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLD IN HAND BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Now I've tried hard : to treat him kind Last Line: Because the one I've got : have done gone cold in hand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLD IRON BED, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: Baby take me upstairs : baby won't you lay me down in your cooliron bed Last Line: If I don't see you tomorrow : I'll see you tomorrow night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLD WINTER DAY, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I did everything baby : that I could do Last Line: Soon as you got on your feet : you wouldn't pay me no mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLDEST STUFF IN TOWN, by HATTIE HART Poem Source First Line: When I go out singing : I goes out all alone Last Line: I thought slim was working : and he wasn't doing a doggone thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLDEST STUFF IN TOWN, by ALLEN SHAW Poem Source First Line: Hattie hattie hattie : what have you done to me Last Line: Because that jive you and willie b's shooting : coldest stuff in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLERIDGE JACKSON, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Coleridge jackson had nothing to fear Last Line: Away, lurking at something else Subject(s): Racism; African Americans; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry COLLECTION DAY, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Saturday morning, motown / forty-fives and thick seventy-eights Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Baby Boom Generation; Housekeeping; Women COLLECTION DAY, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Saturday morning, motown %forty-fives and thick seventy-eights Last Line: Something to last: patch of earth, %view of sky Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Baby Boom Generation; Housekeeping; Women COLLECTOR MAN BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now go open the door : here comes the collector man Last Line: Well now you can tell him watch and see old sonny boy getting some money : oh lord know it's some of Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COLLEGE FORMAL: RENAISSANCE CASINO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Golden girl / in a golden gown Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks COLLEGE FORMAL: RENAISSANCE CASINO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Golden girl %in a golden gown Last Line: Till they're the heart of the whole big town %gold and brown Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COLLEGE OX, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole ox! Ole ox! How'd you come up here? Last Line: Now! Now, you comes up here for some sort o' college use Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COLOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wear it %like a banner Last Line: Soaring high -- not moan or cry Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COLORED SOLDIER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother died in france -- but I came back Last Line: Can't see! And don't know! And won't ever care! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COLUMBIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Columbia, %my dear girl Last Line: Don't shoot! I'll kiss you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COME ALONG LITTLE CHILDREN, by UNKNOWN+211 Poem Source First Line: Now some folks say : a preacher won't steal Last Line: I'll *drop* my way : to the promised land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME HOME FROM THE MOVIES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: They already know how to dance Subject(s): African Americans; Motion Pictures COME HOME FROM THE MOVIES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Show our fathers how to walk like men, %they already know how to dance Subject(s): African Americans - Children COME ON AROUND TO MY HOUSE MAMA, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Come on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me Last Line: Think my baby : done quit poor me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME ON BOYS LET'S DO THAT MESSIN' AROUND, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I'm feeling blue : lowdown as I can be Last Line: But don't let me catch you : messing around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME ON IN, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Oh set right down : and let's have some fun Last Line: If you want to : you can pull off your underwear Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME ON IN, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Sit right down : have some fun Last Line: Why don't you : put on your underwear Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME ON IN MY KITCHEN, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm : mmm Last Line: You can't make the winter babe : just dry long so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME ON, MAMA, DO THAT DANCE, by FRANKIE HALF PINT JAXON Poem Source First Line: Come on and let me know : who you are Last Line: Some day : this thing's going to happen to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COME ON, MY PINK, AN' TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COME, LOVE, COME, THE BOAT LIES LOW, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COMET, by EMIL MAKAI Poem Source First Line: Cast out, amid so many companions Last Line: And nobody is left behind %and there is no goal to reach Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Comets; Women's Rights COMING OF KALI, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is the black god, kali Last Line: She knows I know them well. %she knows. She knows Subject(s): African Americans - Women COMMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Spiral death %the snake must be Last Line: For strife, for sport, %or just a stew Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COMMENT ON CURB, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You talk like %they don't kick %dreams around %downtown Last Line: I expect they do %but I'm talking about %harlem to you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COMMENT ON WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let us kill off youth Last Line: For the sake of %truth Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COMMITMENT 2, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Paul robeson stood out in his passport Last Line: Never never selling out Subject(s): African Americans; Robeson, Paul (1898-1976) COMMON DUST, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: And who shall separate the dust Last Line: The same as from the start? Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Mankind; Negroes; American Blacks; Human Race COMMUNION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was trying to figure out Last Line: It felt good to shout Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COMMUNIQUE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm sorry for you Last Line: You're still %not so hot Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COMPETITION BED BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Competition worrying me : you been having a competition with me Last Line: Now there's so much competition : I believe I'll leave your town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CONDITIONS XXI, by ESSEX HEMPHILL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You judge a woman Last Line: The way america / loves us Subject(s): African Americans; Man-woman Relationships; Negroes; American Blacks; Male-female Relations CONFESSION TO J. EDGAR HOOVER, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hiding in the church of an abandoned stone Last Line: I did not know what I was doing Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): African Americans - Military CONFESSION TO J. EDGAR HOOVER, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hiding in the church of an abandoned stone Last Line: I did not know what I was doing Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): African Americans - Military CONJURED, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She done put huh little hands Last Line: So long %alone Subject(s): African Americans CONSERVATORY STUDENT STRUGGLES WITH HIGHER INSTRUMENTATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The saxophone %has a vulgar tone Last Line: I'd never been %sent Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CONSIDER ME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Consider me, %a colored boy Last Line: Consider me, %descended also %from the mystery Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CONSTRUCTION GANG, by JOE EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: Now here's all I ask of you : kind man Last Line: So you bring me all your money : when they pay your check Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CONSTRUCTION GANG, by JOE EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: Now there is something : you say that you expect Last Line: I want you to come back from work : looking just like first one thing and then another Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CONSUMPTIVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All day in the sun %that he loved so Last Line: And burning the dark Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CONVENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me, %is there peace Last Line: With a challenge %that appalls? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COOKING DINNER (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Bile dem cabbage down Last Line: Gwineter eat 'em skins an' all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COOL DRINK OF WATER BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I asked for water : and she gave me gasoline Last Line: Son buy your ticket buy your ticket : because the train ain't none of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COOL JAZZ, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of cool jazz Last Line: I see the cool tones of modern jazz %escape the city heat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music COON CAN SHORTY, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Well now they call me cooncan shorty : the man from cooncan land Last Line: But now you know I got a chump : ooo well well if he come in this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COON CRAP GAME, by BIG BOY GEORGE OWENS Poem Source First Line: Well I went down to a coon crap game : although it went against my will Last Line: Well I heard the ??? : ??? Be no friend of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COONIE IN DE HOLLER, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Coonie in de holler hidin' hin' de logs, Last Line: Hyar dat distant thundah; guess dat spring am sprung. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks CORA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I broke my heart this mornin' Last Line: The ones I love %they always treat me mean Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CORINNA BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: See see rider : you see what you done done Last Line: I ain't had no true love : since corinna been gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CORN LICKER BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Now I love my good corn liquor : and I really mean I do Last Line: I ain't going to bother nobody : just let the good times baby roll on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CORN LIQUOR BLUES, by LEWIS BLACK Poem Source First Line: Hey hey hey : corn liquor in my bones Last Line: If you catch me out drinking : I'm not drinking just keep to keep from crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CORN WHISKEY BLUES, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Now bring me that bottle : and let's have another drink of booze Last Line: And on account of moonshine : her people don't allow me around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CORN-BREAD BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: I've got a brownskin woman: she lives up on that hill Last Line: They cook corn bread for their husbands: and biscuits for their men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CORNER MEETING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ladder, flag, and amplifier Last Line: His words, %jump down to stand %in listeners' places Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CORPUS BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: I remember one time people : oh it is in nineteen and twenty-four Last Line: Oh you want to be mean to me woman : give me a good word all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CORRINE CORRINA BLUES, by JAMES BOODLE IT WIGGINS Poem Source First Line: Corrine corrina : where you been so long Last Line: When I'm coming back babe : can't nobody tell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COSMOPOLITE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not wholly this or that Last Line: Contains me. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women COTTON EYED JOE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hol' my fiddle an' hol' my bow Last Line: Dey say he's been sol' down to guinea gall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COTTON PICKIN' BLUES, by ROBERT PETWAY Poem Source First Line: She's a cotton-picking woman : lord she does it all the time Last Line: Pick so much cotton now partner : will you forgive me if you please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COTTON SONG, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come, brother, come. Lets lift it Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks COTTON SONG, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come, brother, come. Lets lift it Last Line: Come, brother, roll, roll! Subject(s): African Americans COTTONFIELD BLUES, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to texas : have to ride to rods Last Line: You going to call me : and I'll be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COTTONFIELD BLUES--PART 1, by GARFIELD AKERS Poem Source First Line: I said look a-here mama:what in the world are you trying to do Last Line: And it's trouble here mama: baby good gal I don't know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COTTONFIELD BLUES--PART 2, by GARFIELD AKERS Poem Source First Line: I got something I'm going to tell you: mama keep it all to yourself Last Line: And I just can't remember: babe last old words you said Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COULD BE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Could be hastings street Last Line: Any place is dreary %without my watch and you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COUNTERS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My uncle fred has a slash Last Line: It made him Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama COUNTRY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother said Last Line: I love to coast %I love to climb Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans COUNTRY BOY BLUES, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: I got a man : a real handsome one Last Line: There's no need to explain : because they really wouldn't understand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COUNTRY FOOL, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I says he's a country man : but that fool done moved to town Last Line: Know he'll say going back to the country : going to sow some more cotton seed down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COUNTRY GIRL, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Had this cousin that was a black Last Line: Could be mad as hell with the world Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama COUNTRY WOMAN, by WILL BATTS Poem Source First Line: I'm got two women in the country : I'm got two women stays in town Last Line: And she puts *straw* in your mattress : makes you wish you was dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COUNTY JAIL BLUES, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Here I am judge this morning : and here is my forty-five Last Line: May be a good luck to you : because I haven't forgot you yet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COURT HOUSE BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I give him beer : then a glass of ale Last Line: And it all on account : of one trifling man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COURT STREET BLUES, by UNKNOWN+215 Poem Source First Line: Thought I'd get me a picket : off a graveyard fence Last Line: Reason I asks you browny : you about to run me blind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) COURTING BOY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en I wus a liddle boy Last Line: I'se gwine now to see ole sal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COURTSHIP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Kind miss: I'se on de stage o' action Last Line: We never would part Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs COUSIN GEORGE, by A. WANJIKU REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: Cousin george %kept his piano Last Line: Its fleece - its fleece - was buhlaack as coal Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music COVENTRY, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is a thin wall Last Line: Aloneness %stands looking up Subject(s): African Americans COVERS, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Glass covers windows %to keep the cold away Last Line: Blankets cover me %when I'm asleep Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life COW NEEDS A TAIL IN FLY-TIME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat ole black sow, she can root in de mud Last Line: Den de cow'd need a tail in fly-time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CRACK, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You're more jive than pigmeat Last Line: Sky, but there's no one left %to love you back to earth Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Cities CRAP GAME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lemme roll 'em, boy Last Line: Hit 'em, bones Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CRAPSHOOTER'S BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: My baby's a crapshooter : and she shoots them like a man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRAVING BLUES, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: Some people crave for loving : some people crave for gold Last Line: When I want to love him : he wants to fuss and fight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRAWLIN' KING SNAKE, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Yes I'm a crawling king snake : baby I'm going to ??? All around your door Last Line: I'm going to throw my poison : on every pretty woman in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRAZY, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: You'd have to be Last Line: Crazy Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama CRAZY 'BOUT MY BLACK GAL, by CHARLIE PICKETT Poem Source First Line: Now tell me little black gal : what are you going to do Last Line: She was *breaking* and bumming : every man she meet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRAZY CRYIN' BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I been going crazy : I just can't help myself Last Line: I'm just as crazy crazy : as a poor girl can be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRAZY WITH THE BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I wake up this morning : just crazy with the blues Last Line: I'm going to the railroad then to the river : oh well well but I don't know which one that I will ch Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CREED, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: If my garden oak spares one bare ledge Last Line: I may challenge god when we meet that day, %and he dare not be silent or send me away Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women CREEPER'S BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : and I looked up against the wall Last Line: You done taken all my money : and now you want to take my life Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The nation's heart beat wildly Last Line: That attucks died for liberty. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Name in a footnote. Faceless name Last Line: By bayonets, forever falling Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where shall we seek for a hero Last Line: And so great a boon, by a brave man's death, is never dearly bought! Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; U.s. - Colonial Period; Negroes; American Blacks CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by JAY WRIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When we speak Last Line: Another season drums your intense, communal daring Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Negroes; American Blacks CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by JAY WRIGHT Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When we speak Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre CROATAN, by CHAPMAN JAMES MILLING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Addressed as mister; neither white nor red Last Line: That day the man from hartsville called him nigger. Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; Racial Equality CROOKED NOSE JANE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I courted a gal down de lane Last Line: An' she look jes as lean as a weasel half-fed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CROOKED WOMAN BLUES, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: When a man gets down : the trouble lasts always Last Line: That 's s the monday morning : I broke my mama's Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROOKED WOMAN BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: You can always tell : when your woman don't want you around Last Line: By the great long hair : and the same little dress she wore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROOKED WOMAN BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Oh the way my wife treats me : it sure is a sin Last Line: I got them blues : and I'm sure lord got to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I don't give a damn Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Alabama; Negroes; American Blacks CROON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I don't give a damn Last Line: For alabam' %even if it is my home Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Alabama CROSS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old man's a white old man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Intermarriage; Negroes; American Blacks CROSS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old man's a white old man Last Line: I wonder where I'm gonna die, %being neither white nor black? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Intermarriage CROSS CUT SAW BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Now I'm a crosscut saw : drive me across your log Last Line: You you's a good girl : but you ain't been out long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROSS ROAD BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I went to the crossroads : fell down on my knees Last Line: Lord that I'm standing at the crossroad baby : I believe I'm sinking in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROSS THE RIVER, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: Harriet tubman %coming down the river Last Line: There is a home - somewhere Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Tubman, Harriet (1820-1913) CROSS THE WATER BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: I say you got a sweet woman : man which you just don't understand Last Line: I want you talk baby-talk to me : and then suck my tongue cherry red Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROSSING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was that lonely day, folks Last Line: My friends was right there with me %but was just as if they'd left Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CROSSING A FOOT-LOG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Me an' my wife an' my bobtail dog Last Line: But I helt to my liddle brown jug, you bet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs CROSSTOWN, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Back in new york I grab a taxi at port authority Last Line: X-rays, so it’s cancer Subject(s): New York City; City Traffic; Taxis; Buses; Democracy; War; Politics & Politicians; African Americans; Racism; Nightmares CROW GOES, TOO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uncle sam -- %and old jim crow Last Line: That's the way %to win Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CROWDED OUT, by ROSALIE M. JONAS Poem Source First Line: Nobody ain't christmas shoppin' Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Christmas CROWIN' ROOSTER BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: What makes the rooster : crow every morning before day Last Line: They're not satisfied with a good husband : they want some other woman's man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROWING HEN BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was setting on the hen-house steps Last Line: Till they burn the licker store Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CROWING ROOSTER, by WALTER RHODES Poem Source First Line: Going to buy me a rooster : put him in my back door Last Line: I can tell my baby : if I see her in the dark Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CROWNS AND GARLANDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Make a garland of leontynes and lenas Last Line: But I can't eat him for lunch Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CRUELTY, by STEPHEN ORLEN Poem Text First Line: Because we were all sweaty Alternate Author Name(s): Orlen, Steve Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Cruelty; Death; Drugs & Drug Abuse; Impotence; Dead, The CRYIN' FOR THE BLUES, by SAMMY HILL Poem Source First Line: Did you ever wake up in the morning baby : same thing all on your mind Last Line: Sweet mama I haven't my right mind baby : lord since you been gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CRYING MOTHER BLUES, by UNKNOWN+212 Poem Source First Line: Dear mother dead and gone to glory : my old dad done strayed away Last Line: If you can't stay with me mother : it must have been your time to leave from here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CUBES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the days of the broken cubes of picasso Last Line: From the city of the broken cubes of picasso %disease Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973) CULTURAL EXCHANGE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the quarter of the negroes Last Line: Hand me my mint julep, mammy. %hurry up! %make haste! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Mint Juleps; Southern States CURIOUS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I can see your house, babe Last Line: Tell me, what do you do Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans CURTIS MICHAEL, by STELLA CREWS Poem Source First Line: Four boys, a girl & one wife Last Line: And a whole bunch of chuck holes %in the parking lot Subject(s): African Americans CUT OUT BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I'm going to cut out my way of living : and I'm going to change my ways Last Line: And when my *toby* tells me : ooo well I'm going to cut in with some good jane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) CUTTING GREENS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Curling them around / I hold their bodies in obscene embrace Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks CUTTING GREENS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Curling them around %I hold their bodies in obscene embrace Last Line: And I taste in my natural appetite %the bond of live things evrywhere Subject(s): African Americans CYPRESS GROVE BLUES, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: I would rather be buried : in some cypress grove Last Line: Well you just getting ready : honey for the cypress grove Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) D B BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Who is that coming : hey with a motor so strong Last Line: Ever since I was old enough to catch a brown : give me the automobile Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DABNEY'S WIFE; SPRING 1863, by JOANNE LOWERY Poem Source First Line: It was all their idea, not hooker's Last Line: And rinsed and did not miss a thing Subject(s): African Americans - Women; American Civil War; Blood; Slavery; Soldiers; U.s. - History; War Injuries; Women And War DADDY DON'T CARE, by BUDDY MOSS Poem Source First Line: She goes out lord : and stays all day Last Line: Said I know my babe : she ain't treating me right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DALLAS BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I've got the dallas blues : and the main street heart disease Last Line: Maybe someone else : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DAMNED, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The drawers of my mother's bedroom Last Line: Though it is not clear %if either of us can be saved Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights DANCER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Two or three things in the past Last Line: Even a great dancer %can't c.P.T. A show Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing And Dancers DANCERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Stealing from the night Last Line: Desperate days %of life Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DANCING GIRL, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black and tan - yeah, black and tan Last Line: Is this what your belly craves? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Dancing & Dancers DANCING GIRL, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black and tan - yeah, black and tan Last Line: Drenched in the jazz of a swingtime band %is this what your belly craves? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Dancing And Dancers DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Me and kesha cousins used to dance to hip-hop music Last Line: More than once heaven was closed to her Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama DANGEROUS BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I'm like a red-hot stove : I'm burning down Last Line: I'm red-hot : and dangerous as can be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DANIEL IN SNOW, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: The snow world had called him Last Line: And listened to the magical call %of snow Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels DANSE AFRICAINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The low beating of the tom-toms Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): African Dance Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing & Dancers; Negroes; American Blacks DANSE AFRICAINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The low beating of the tom-toms Last Line: And the low beating of the tom-toms %stirs in your blood Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): African Danc Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing And Dancers DARE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let darkness %gather up its roses Last Line: Dares the dark %to stand Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DARK ACTRESS - SOMEWHERE, by BLANCHE TAYLOR DICKINSON Poem Source First Line: They watched her glide across the stage Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women DARK DREAMING, by DOROTHY KRUGER Poem Source First Line: Arrows of rain Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women DARK LOVELY FRUIT, by HELEN BRYANT Poem Text First Line: Black girl, standing in your yellow dress Last Line: Heart of your storm? Subject(s): African Americans; Barns; Girls; Negroes; American Blacks DARK PHASES OF WOMANHOOD', by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: That you like the best %you're it Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women DARK PROPHECY: I SING OF SHINE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: And, yeah, brothers / while white/america sings about the unsink- Subject(s): African Americans; Disasters; Ships & Shipping; Shipwrecks; Titanic (ship); Negroes; American Blacks DARK PROPHECY: I SING OF SHINE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And, yeah, brothers %while white/america sings about the unsink- Last Line: And when the news hit shore that the titanic had sunk %shinewas up in harlem damn near drunk Subject(s): African Americans; Disasters; Ships And Shipping; Shipwrecks; Titanic (ship) DARK ROAD BLUES, by WILLIE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: Crying I ain't going down : that dark road by myself Last Line: Crying I was standing right there : police had me barred Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DARK SHADOWS. TAKE 2, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Bird pats his foot Last Line: Hums a funky blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) DARK SHADOWS: (TAKE 3) NIGHTHAWKS, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Jelly roll morton laid claim Last Line: His feet, and hugs him %self against the cold Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) DARK SYMPHONY: 1. ALLEGRO MODERATO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black crispus attucks taught / us how to die Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 1. ALLEGRO MODERATO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black crispus attucks taught %us how to die Last Line: Garroted lands and carted off the loot Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans DARK SYMPHONY: 2. LENTO GRAVE, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The centuries-old pathos in our voices Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 2. LENTO GRAVE, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The centuries-old pathos in our voices Last Line: In the canebrakes of the southern pharaohs Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans DARK SYMPHONY: 3. ANDANTE SOSTENUTO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They tell us to forget Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 3. ANDANTE SOSTENUTO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They tell us to forget Last Line: Oh, how can we forget? Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans DARK SYMPHONY: 4. TEMPO PRIMO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The new negro strides upon the continent Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 4. TEMPO PRIMO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The new negro strides upon the continent Last Line: Toward the promised land of tomorrow! Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans DARK SYMPHONY: 5. LARGHETTO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: None in the land can say Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 5. LARGHETTO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: None in the land can say Last Line: A vast sahara with a fascist brand Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans DARK SYMPHONY: 6. TEMPO DI MARCIA, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of abysses of illiteracy Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 6. TEMPO DI MARCIA, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of abysses of illiteracy Last Line: With the peoples of the world... %we advance! Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans DARK TESTAMENT, by PAULI MURRAY Poem Source First Line: Freedom is a dream Last Line: Friend and brother to every other man Subject(s): African Americans - Women DARK YOUTH OF THE U.S.A., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sturdy I stand, books in my hand -- Last Line: The american youth of today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DARKEY FISHERMAN'S RAINY DAY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: W'en I git up in de mo'nin' an' de clouds is big an' black Last Line: Dough I knows dat lizy 's waitin' wid de skillet w'en I 's done. Variant Title(s): Fishing Subject(s): African Americans; Fish & Fishing; Negroes; American Blacks; Anglers DAT GAL O' MINE, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Skin as black an' jes as sof' as a velvet dress Last Line: O' mine. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Love; Religion; Sabbath; Theology; Sunday DAUFUSKIE (FOUR MOVEMENTS), by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ebb %with the flow Last Line: Be %unbroken Subject(s): African Americans - Women DAUGHTER - BAHIA, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I am caught in the roar of the ocean Last Line: As I walk on the land of the daughter Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Angola; Fear; Slavery DAWN, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An angel, robed in spotless white Last Line: Men saw the blush and called it dawn. Subject(s): African Americans; Dawn; Negroes; American Blacks; Sunrise DAWN, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Grey trees, grey skies, and not a star Last Line: A hermit-thrush Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women DAWN OF LOVE, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Within my casement came one night Last Line: And on my lips there fell a kiss - %speak! Fairy moon, interpret this! Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women DAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where most surely comes a day Last Line: Only your single selves together %facing a single doom Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DAY'S CATCH, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I remember you back Last Line: The truth of our hands Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Love; Memory DAY'S HAPPINESS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went out to milk an' I didn't know how Last Line: Dat ole goose laid, an' de gander sot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DAY-BREAKERS, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are not come to wage a strife Last Line: Yet would we die as some have done: %beating a way for the rising sun Subject(s): African Americans DAYBREAK IN ALABAMA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I get to be a composer Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DAYBREAK IN ALABAMA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I get to be a composer Last Line: And write about daybreak %in alabama Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DE 'LECTION SURE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: De white folks low dat dey's de race Last Line: You saf't th'ough peter's gate. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DE CUNJAH MAN, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O chillen run, de cunjah man Last Line: O chillen run, de cunjah man! Subject(s): African Americans; Gullahs; Witchcraft & Witches; Negroes; American Blacks DE KALB CHAIN BLUES, by FRED MCMULLEN Poem Source First Line: And I'll tell all you people : that ain't no place to go Last Line: Well I believe to the lord : these going to kill me dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DE NIGGER'S GOT TO GO, by DANIEL WEBSTER DAVIS Poem Text First Line: Dear liza, I is bin down town Last Line: "wez not a gwine to go." Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry DE OLE SEXTON, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Brudder amos is de sexton Last Line: It am nebber gwine ter fail. Subject(s): African Americans; Future Life; Sin; Negroes; American Blacks; Retribution; Eternity; After Life DE SPRING-HOUSE, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Down to de spring-house am whar I long to wandah Last Line: Down in de spring-house am good enuff fo' me. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks DE WATAH MELLEN SPLOSHUN, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dar's one fing dat hi wouldn't do Last Line: Dat's shuah. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Watermelons; Negroes; American Blacks DEACON MORGAN, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: His artificial feet calumped in holy rhythm Last Line: Was welcome still in the abundant household %of a loving father Subject(s): African Americans - Women DEAD DRUNK BLUES, by LILLIAN MILLER Poem Source First Line: You knowed I was drunk : when I lay down across your bed Last Line: Because when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEAD DRUNK BLUES, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: Give me houston : dallas is not my crave Last Line: Because when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEAD IN THERE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes %a night funeral Last Line: Plant him now %out were it makes %no diff' no how Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEAD SHRIMP BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : and all my shrimps was dead and gone Last Line: I couldn't do nothing : until I got myself unwound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: President roosevelt, you Last Line: I await your reply Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Democracy DEAR OLD DICK, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Said dear old dick Last Line: "to wait on st. Peter world without end." Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Waiters & Waitresses; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry DEATH BELL BLUES, by TOM DICKSON Poem Source First Line: Hey hey : death bells in my ear Last Line: That leaves no one : to love and care for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEATH CELL BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Mmm : chained down in this dark cell by myself Last Line: Inside my breast felt lonely : my baby left my heart in pain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEATH CHEST, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Last year, in the last field out of shorter Last Line: I always lock the bathroom doors in hotels though Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama DEATH IN AFRICA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To die %and never know what killed you Last Line: Dambella, %helpless, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEATH IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Arabella johnson and the texas kid Last Line: Picked up another woman and %went to bed Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEATH IN YORKVILLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How many bullets does it take Last Line: When the long hot summers come %death ain't %no jive Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEATH LETTER BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I received a letter : that my man was dying Last Line: Mama loves you sweet papa : but I just can't take your place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEATH LETTER BLUES--PART 1, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Yes she wrote me a letter : what you reckon it read Last Line: I love you pretty mama : just can't take your place Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEATH LETTER BLUES--PART 2, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: So many high *gate* buggies : were a-standing around Last Line: Don't you feel mistreated : but you won't let on Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEATH OF A DO DIRTY: A ROUNDER'S SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O, you can't find a buddy Last Line: Ma friend o' mine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEATH OF AN OLD SEAMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We buried him on a windy hill Last Line: Do not, do not weep for me, %for I am happy with my sea Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEATH OF DR. KING, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: We sit outside Last Line: In our heads %bodies collapse %and grow again %the city boils %black men %jump out of trees Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) DEATH OF NICK CHARLES, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: ...And how much of this Last Line: & you will not be able %to wake me Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans DEATH STING ME BLUES, by SARA MARTIN Poem Source First Line: I want all you women : to listen to my tale of woe Last Line: Oh death please sting me : and take me out of my misery Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEATH VALLEY BLUES, by ARTHUR BIG BOY CRUDUP Poem Source First Line: I went down in death valley : among the tombstones and dry bones Last Line: You going to follow poor crudup : down to his burying ground Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Death Valley DEBRA, by MICHELLE T. CLINTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Debra and I are different. Fundamentally different Last Line: Sometimes it got tah eb dat way Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights DEBRIDEMENT, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black men are oaks cut down. Last Line: Carried out our assignment / with procision Subject(s): African Americans - Military DECEASED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harlem %sent him home Last Line: The licker %was lye Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DECEITFUL BROWNSKIN WOMAN, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: There's a brown across town : and she's taller as a sycamore tree Last Line: Every time it shakes : it's a sign of my baby's home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DECEIVING BLUES, by BLIND DARBY Poem Source First Line: You deceived me babe : about the things I did not want you to do Last Line: And you going to be sorry : that you done me this a-way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DECEMBER PORTRAIT, by KATHLEEN TANKERSLEY YOUNG Poem Source First Line: She now retraces her steps once more Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women DECLARATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I was a sea-lion Last Line: Yes, way %away %from %you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEDICATION POEM, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Outcast from her home in syria Last Line: Shall be young, forever young. Subject(s): African Americans; Old Age; Negroes; American Blacks DEEDLE, DUMPLING (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DEEP BLUE SEA BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: I'm going babe I'm going : and crying won't make me stay Last Line: Don't got nobody now now now : give me my last pair of shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEEP BLUE SEA BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: My man's on the ocean : bobbing up and down Last Line: That's the man that keeps rocking : on the deep blue sea Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEEP DOWN IN THE GROUND, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: You hear that rumbling : deep down in the ground Last Line: Now with your hair all tangled : and your clothes ain't fitting you right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEEP SEA LOVE, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I went home last night : and my honey doll was mad Last Line: Because now you know your love done changed : ooo well well that I feel this a-way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEFERRED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This year, maybe, do you think I can graduate? Last Line: I'd like to take up bach. %montage %of a dream %deferred %buddy, have you heard? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEJA VU, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It happens sometimes when walking down the street, standing on a Last Line: Speak other tongues, worship different spirits and save whatever we can, as we move on Subject(s): African Americans - History; Memory; Past; Slavery DELINQUENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little julie %has grown quite tall Last Line: What she means is %nobody cares %anywhere Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DELROY AND FRIEND, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: We laugh strongest because we laugh Last Line: And winner ate dug-up dirt Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DELROY THE DANCER-EXPLORER, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: I dance myself all clear Last Line: A dancer-boy explorer Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DELROY THE SKATEBOARD ROLLER, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Sittn down is all immobility Last Line: To roll with, calm calm, without end Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DELTA, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Alabama harmattan calling me Last Line: We are blown down to the nines Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Freedom; Singing And Singers DELY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Jes' lak toddy wahms you thoo Last Line: Dat's enuff 'uligion. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Beauty DEMAND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen! %dear dream of utter aliveness Last Line: Your eyes see forever? %and what is this wind %you touch when you run? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEMONSTRATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Did you ever walk into a firehose Last Line: Will you ever forget your dawn? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DENTIST CHAIR BLUES--PART 1, by LAURA BRYANT Poem Source First Line: I'm having so much trouble : with those tooth ache blues Last Line: Cocaine or soothing liquid : to ease my pain for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DENTIST CHAIR BLUES--PART 2, by LAURA BRYANT Poem Source First Line: I told him : he was grinding into my roots too deep Last Line: But all my pain had left me : he really done me good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEPARTURE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She lived out a decent span of years Last Line: In her heart %to sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DEPRESSION'S GONE FROM ME BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: All last winter : and all last fall Last Line: Your black man : ought to get on out of town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DERE'S NO HIDIN' PLACE DOWN DERE, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text Last Line: "he wanted to go to hebben, but he had to go to hell / dere's no hidin' place down dere" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals DERRICK POEM (THE LOST WORLD), by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I take my $, buy a pair of very bright kicks for the game Last Line: "even when he said, “we should go to the movies sometime,"" Subject(s): Shoes; African Americans; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers; Negroes; American Blacks DESERT, by KARLA FRANCESCA BRUNDAGE Poem Source First Line: Shadows dance along the wall Last Line: I lie naked in the sahara %waiting for the rain to come Subject(s): African Americans DESERT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Anybody %better than %nobody Last Line: Better than nobody %in this lonely %land Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DESIRE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Desire to us %was like a double death Last Line: Between us quickly %in a naked %room Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DESIRE, by MARJORIE MARSHALL Poem Source First Line: I would be one with the morning Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women DESIRE AND PRIVATE GRIEFS, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The kind of man you would call on Last Line: She leaves alone %carrying the heavy silences %of the dead Subject(s): African Americans DESTINIES OF GOOD AND BAD CHILDREN (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One, two, three, fo', five, six, seben Last Line: To segashuate wid ole man joe Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DESTITUTE FORMER SLAVE OWNERS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Missus an' mosser a-walkin' de street Last Line: Hain't no nigger slaves in de year jubilee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DETROIT MOAN, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Detroit's a cold cold place : and I ain't got a dime to my name Last Line: And if I ever get back home : I ain't never coming to detroit no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Detroit, Michigan DEVIL, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: The rousters, except when singing of a packet, usually express their Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DEVIL GOT MY WOMAN, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: I'd rather be the devil : to be that woman's man Last Line: But he got lucky : stoled her back again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEVIL IN THE LION'S DEN, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: Now my mama's dead : and my papa can't be found Last Line: More you cry : the farer I'll ride away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEVIL SENT THE RAIN, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Good lord send the sunshine : devil he send the rain Last Line: I'm going away : mama don't you want to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEVIL'S GOT THE BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Good morning blues : where have you been so long Last Line: The blues will leave you with murder in your mind : that's when the devil out of hell steps in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DEVILISH PIGS (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I wish I had a load o' poles Last Line: Dey'll root 'round in my pot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DEVILMENT BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Listen here baby : you got devilment on your mind Last Line: If I take you away from your husbands : ooo well well you will leave me for another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DICE'S BLUES, by BOB CAMPBELL Poem Source First Line: I said dices oh dices : please don't you three on me Last Line: Say I just want to show you honey : just what gambling have done for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DICES' BLUES, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: Yes you know dices oh dices : please don't three on me Last Line: But you know says I've got to win some money : so I can give it to that gal of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DID YOU FEED MY COW? (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Did yer feed my cow?' 'yes, mam!' Last Line: Oh, how did they come?' 'flop! Flop! Flop!' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DIDDIE WA DIDDIE, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: There's : a great big mystery Last Line: Because I talk :about diddie wa diddie too much Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DIE IN THE PIG-PEN FIGHTING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat ole sow said to de barrer Last Line: Yes, die wid a bitin' jaw Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DIGGIN' MY POTATOES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Baby's digging my potatoes : tramping on my vines Last Line: Never found a bruised one : till I caught them in my bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chile, these steps is hard to climb Last Line: Chile, granny ain't got no dime %I might've known %it all the time Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DIMOUT IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down the street young harlem Last Line: Down the street young harlem %in the dark Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City) DINAH'S DINNER HORN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: It's a col', frosty mornin' Last Line: Say? Don't you want to go? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DINNER BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I asked my good girl : to feed me some Last Line: Now you know : we're carrying the good work on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DINNER GUEST: ME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I know I am %the negro problem Last Line: Solutions to the problem, %of course, wait Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DIRECTION, by ANEB KGOSITSILE Poem Source First Line: It ain't no big thing Last Line: They can't give you no directions! Subject(s): African Americans DIRTY BUTTER, by MINNIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: Old aunt dinah : she's a sister of the church Last Line: He's full of whiskey : and take me to the promised land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DIRTY DEAL BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: Early one morning : baby something was on my mind Last Line: Please god ??? : make my woman reap righteous seed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DIRTY MOTHER FOR YOU, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I ain't no doctor : but I'm the doctor wife Last Line: You done *spread* my *liver* : now you done *broke the rungs* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DISILLUSION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would be simple again Last Line: I will not come %to you again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DISTRICT ATTORNEY BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: District attorney : sure is hard on a man Last Line: He taken me from my woman : caused her to have some other man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DIVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lenox avenue / by daylight Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DIVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lenox avenue %by daylight Last Line: Runs to dive in the park %but faster %faster %after dark Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DIVING DUCK BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now if the river was whiskey : and I was a diving duck Last Line: If the train don't hurry : going to be some walking done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DIXIE, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Dis world was made in jis' six days Last Line: "look away, look away, look away, dixie land" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;southern States; Negro Spirituals;south (u.s.) DIXIE MAN TO UNCLE SAM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How can you Last Line: Too hitler-like %for you -- %or me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DIXIE SOUTH AFRICA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the creziness Last Line: In the dew %of day Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DO NOT THINK, by CAROL FREEMAN Poem Source Last Line: We only want to bring you home Subject(s): African Americans DO I LOVE YOU?, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Does I love you wid all my heart? Last Line: I'd spit you in de river Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DO IT RIGHT, by KID WESLEY WILSON Poem Source First Line: When your gal gets old : she wants to be alone Last Line: Got a mouthful of kitty : and it's tight like that Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DO LIKE MALCOLM, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Daddy loves %to quote malcolm Last Line: A pretty good idea Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) DO THAT THING, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: She's long and tall : and wears a diamond ring Last Line: You throws your backbone : clean out of sight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DO YOU RECKON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mr. White man, white man Last Line: I would act the same way, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DO YOUR DUTY, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I heard you say you didn't love me baby : *you say you heard* mrs brown Last Line: If I'm tired of sleeping by myself : you too dumb to realize Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOES MONEY TALK?, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dem whitefolks say dat money talk Last Line: It up an' say: 'farewell!' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DOESN'T A DIFFERENCE MAKE FRIENDS TALK?, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My dad watches a ball game Last Line: But isn't she messy? Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DOGGIN' ME AROUND BLUES, by JENNY POPE Poem Source First Line: I'm a stranger here : just blowed in your town Last Line: The reason I'm leaving you : I don't like your doggone ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOGGIN' ME MAMA BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: There's no need of you dogging me : mama I ain't done nothing to you Last Line: If you keep on dogging daddy : I sure ain't going the treat you right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOIN' THE BEST I CAN, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: When a man is out working : working hard all his life Last Line: But my woman she *keeps that* on me : I ain't going to work tonight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOIN' THE SCRAUNCH, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Down in dixie : there's a dance that's new Last Line: She do that scraunch : it's good like that Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOIN' WRONG, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: Take me sweet mama : allow me one more show Last Line: I'm going to pack my suitcase : I'm going to blow this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOING A STRETCH, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I had a fall : five to twenty-one Last Line: I know : still love me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOLLAR BLUES, by ROBERT COOKSEY Poem Source First Line: My woman woke up this morning : dollar in her hand Last Line: Two bits for the monkey : six bits for her man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOMESTIC WORK, 1937, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All week she's cleaned Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping DOMESTIC WORK, 1937, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All week she's cleaned Last Line: A wish for something better Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping DOMESTICS, by KATTIE M. CUMBO Poem Source First Line: Damit blackman %what are you going to Last Line: From the kitchen of %the jew? Subject(s): African Americans - Women DON'T ADVERTISE YOUR MAN, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Your head will hang low : and your heart will ache Last Line: Some other woman : sure to take him away from you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T ASK ME QUESTIONS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Don't axe me no questions Last Line: Hain't no place lak my house %found un'er de sun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DON'T CRY BABY, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: Don't worry baby : daddy been here so long Last Line: Don't you worry nothing about me : because I'm coming back home some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T EASE ME IN, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Sometimes I walk : and sometimes I talk Last Line: They got all the women coming down to the man : *I mean in texas too* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T HANG MY CLOTHES ON NO BARBED WIRE LINE, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I don't want my clothes : hung on that barbed wire line Last Line: Well well now I wonder do she know : that I'm fixing to beatit on back to 'bam Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T KILL HIM IN HERE, by GEORGE THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I went out last night folks : I meant to have some fun Last Line: And don't you take all my money : and please don't kill him in here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T LEAVE ME BLUES, by SPIDER CARTER Poem Source First Line: Don't leave me *don't you* babe : all my clothes in pawn Last Line: You're going to hear : this old lonesome song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T LEAVE ME HERE, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I was standing on the corner : a-talking to my brown Last Line: If she heads to the south great god : she's alabama bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T LISTEN, by ABIMBOLA ADAMA Poem Source First Line: Beautiful black man %don't listen to the lies Last Line: Listen, my brother %to those who love you Subject(s): African Americans DON'T NEVER TELL NOBODY, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Don't never tell nobody : what your perfect good man can do Last Line: You just get them anxious : to try some of his good points too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T PUT THAT THING ON ME, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Don't care what you say : don't care what you do Last Line: If you got a good woman partner : you'd better treat her right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T PUT YOUR DIRTY HANDS ON ME, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: If you put your dirty black hands on me : I'm going to put you back in jail Last Line: *pull a number of* women : *to their* mighty few men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T SELL IT, by OSCAR WOODS Poem Source First Line: It was early one morning : about the break of day Last Line: I can get more women : than a passenger train can haul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T SELL IT--DON'T GIVE IT AWAY, by OSCAR WOODS Poem Source First Line: Says it was early one morning : about the break of day Last Line: I got a brand new gal : and I don't want you no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T SHAKE IT NO MORE, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Shimmy-shee-wobble : babe that's all Last Line: Just shake it around and around : don't shake it no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T SING BEFORE BREAKFAST (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: You'll cry 'fore you sleep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DON'T TAKE A CHANCE, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: It's a crime to take a chance : when you know you can get by Last Line: It's a crime on taking a chance on losing her : ooo well well when you drive her from your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T TELL ALL YOU KNOW, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Keep dis in min', an' all 'll go right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DON'T TRUST NOBODY BLUES, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: I don't trust nobody : but the good lord above Last Line: While that lowdown man of mine : is trying to make his 'fore-day creep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T WAKE IT UP, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Now the girl's got something : I don't know what it is Last Line: You ain't going to get : none of my *peppermint cloth* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T WANT NO WOMAN, by JOE+(1) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Dont want no woman : have to give my money to Last Line: That's the way baby : you have *things* to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T WANT NO WOMAN, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: You's a worthless ??? Man : I'll take it all away from you Last Line: Well I'm a good-hearted woman : just trying to get along with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T YOU LEAVE ME HERE, by PAPA HARVEY HULL Poem Source First Line: Boat's up the river : running side by side Last Line: Well it's fifteen miles sweet loing babe : memphis to my home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T YOU LEAVE ME HERE, by LAURA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Don't you leave me here : a good gal I've been Last Line: Take a chair and break it over his doggone head : and walk the streets all night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DON'T YOU WANT TO GO, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I heard somebody calling me : papa don't you want to go Last Line: All alone by myself baby : won't be satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DONE SOLD MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: He trails me like a bloodhound : he's quicker than a snake Last Line: Where lions bears and tigers : all come to take their rest Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOODLE HOLE BLUES, by CHARLEY LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: I'm a little bit worried : getting kind of old Last Line: Get this doodle : it's sure worth the price Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOODLE-BUG (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DOORKNOBS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The simple silly terror Last Line: Not of our own doing Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DOUBLE CROSSING BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Some men like dogging: I just declare I don't Last Line: She had so many men: she kept me always crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOUBLE DOZENS, by SWEET PEASE SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Now you think : you are smart Last Line: Now you d p aching : just go to Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOUBLE TAKE AT RELAIS DE L'ESPADON, by THADIOUS M. DAVIS Poem Source First Line: On the ile de goree, m. Diop elegant Last Line: Is he the father I might have had %is he the son who shackled my father and me Subject(s): African Americans - Women DOUBLE TROUBLE BLUES, by JANE LUCAS Poem Source First Line: When you get in trouble : you can always tell who's your friend Last Line: Sometime I'm happy : most every time I am blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOUBLE UP IN A KNOT, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Go down the river ; there's something new Last Line: See if they can : take your man from you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOUGH ROLLER BLUES, by GARFIELD AKERS Poem Source First Line: And I rolled and I tumbled: and I cried the whole night long Last Line: I said that's all right sweet mama: your trouble's going to come some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOUGLASS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah, douglass, we have fall'n on evil days Last Line: To give us comfort through the lonely dark. Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); Negroes; American Blacks DOVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: ...And here is %old picasso and the dove Last Line: From our old %battle ground... Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DOWN AND OUT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Baby, if you love me Last Line: An' I need a dime fo' a beer %I need a dime fo' beer Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DOWN HEARTED BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Gee but it's hard to love someone : when that someone don't love you Last Line: I'm going to hold it : until you men come under my command Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN IN BLACK BOTTOM, by JOE EVANS Poem Source First Line: You go down in black bottom : put your money in your shoe Last Line: Take god to tell : who she been waiting on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN IN BLACK BOTTOM, by BLACK BOTTOM MCPHAIL Poem Source First Line: Now down in black bottom : that is so they say Last Line: Tell them the black bottom buddy : done been here and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN IN BOOGIE ALLEY, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Way down in boogie alley : ain't nothing but skulls and bones Last Line: The womens will get your man down there : and they won't let him go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN IN LONESOME GARDEN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hain't no use to weep, hain't no use to moan Last Line: Nor down in my lonesome gyardin Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DOWN IN TENNESSEE, by LONNIE CLARK Poem Source First Line: I'm worried today mama : but I won't be worried long Last Line: I ain't going to let you mistreat me mama : so I won't have to cry no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN IN THE BASEMENT, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I've got a man : he had a hound Last Line: If you'll play : that thing for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN IN THE BASEMENT BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Down to the depot mama lord : I looked up on the board Last Line: Because she will hide in the bushes : she is hard to find Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN ON MY BENDED KNEE, by KING SOLOMON HILL Poem Source First Line: Ella ella : down on my bended knees Last Line: I'm worried about my baby : down on my bended knee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN SOUTH, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Lord I'm going back down south : man where the weather suits my clothes Last Line: Because my baby she didn't want me : to come way back up here nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN SOUTH BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: I'm just sitting here thinking : of dear old sunny tennessee Last Line: I'll be so glad : when my train pulls up in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN SOUTH BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I'm going down south : and I'll stay until winter is gone Last Line: But my gal so mean : I'm scared to call her name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN SOUTH BLUES, by COLETHA SIMPSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to write down home : tell mama to send for me Last Line: He's sleeping with you : but he's loving somebody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN SOUTH BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm going to the station : and catch the fastest train that goes Last Line: Because I'm broke-down-hearted : got those down-south blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN SOUTH BLUES, by HANNAH SYLVESTER Poem Source First Line: I have learned my lesson : believe me I am through Last Line: Because I'm broken-hearted : got those down-south blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN THE BIG ROAD BLUES, by MATTIE DELANEY Poem Source First Line: I can't go down : that big road by myself Last Line: I had a happy home : and I wouldn't stay there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN THE COUNTRY, by LEOLA B. WILSON Poem Source First Line: You ever wake up : just about the break of day Last Line: Walking away from here : these old down the country blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN THE DIRT ROAD BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I'm going away : to the one I know Last Line: I don't carry my rider : going to carry me someone's else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN THE HIGHWAY, by CHARLIE PICKETT Poem Source First Line: Now I'm going to leave here walking : going down highway sixty-one Last Line: Now if I don't be home sunday : ??? Will be home ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, de ole plantation landin' Last Line: To de lonesomeness -- dat's all. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi River; Plantation Life; Rivers; Negroes; American Blacks DOWN THE RIVUH, DOWN, BOYS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DOWN TO SKIN AND BONES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: I say my little woman : got me down to skin and bone Last Line: Because you go with every man : mmm in anybody's neighborhood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWN TO THE NINES, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Oh owner of wind %keeper of river mists Last Line: We are down to the nines Subject(s): African Americans - History; Memory; Slavery; Women DOWN WHERE I AM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Too many years Last Line: If you want to see me %come down Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DOWN-HEARTED BLUES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Gee, but it's hard to love someone, when that someone don't love you Last Line: Had the down-hearted blues and couldn't be satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DOWNED BLACK PILOT LEARNS HOW TO FLY, by HORACE COLEMAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Now that the war is over Last Line: I'll wait and see if they've declared %war on me - or just america Alternate Author Name(s): Shaka Aku Shango Subject(s): African Americans; Soldiers; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 DOWNTOWN BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Hey listen mama : the world is done gone away Last Line: The reason I can *fill it* so careful : because man don't know me there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DR. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TO THE NATIONAL NEGRO BUSINESS LEAGUE, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER SR. Poem Text First Line: Tis strange indeed to hear us plead Last Line: When money clinks its story. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Business; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915); Black Heritage; Businessmen; Businesswomen DRAFTEES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Leave your coras Last Line: Is basic %in these Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DRAMA FOR A WINTER NIGHT (FIFTH AVENUE), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You can't sleep here, %my good man Last Line: He can't die on this corner. %no, no, not here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DRAPERY FACTORY, GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, 1956, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She made the trip daily, though Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping DRAPERY FACTORY, GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, 1956, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She made the trip daily, though Last Line: On one white man's face, his hand %deep in knowledge Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping DRAYMAN BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Mr drayman mr drayman : back your truck up to my door Last Line: Say the days seem so lonesome : and the nights so long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DREAM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Last night I dreamt Last Line: But you were not there at all Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREAM BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Had a dream last night : and the night before Last Line: Since I had that dream last night : mama don't mind dying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DREAM BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morning, daddy! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks DREAM BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morning, daddy! Last Line: I'm happy! %take it away! %hey,pop %re-bop! %mop! %y-e-a-h! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians DREAM BOOGIE: VARIATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tinkling treble, %rolling bass Last Line: A few minutes late %for the freedom train Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREAM DUST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gather out of star-dust Last Line: One handful of dream dust %not for sale Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREAM KEEPER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bring me all of your dreams Last Line: Away from the too-rough fingers %of the world Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREAM OF FREEDOM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is a dream in the land Last Line: Our dream of freedom Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREAM SONGS: 68, by JOHN BERRYMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I heard, could be, a hey there from the wing Last Line: Black to the birds again Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, John, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) DREAM VARIATIONS [OR, VARIATION], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To fling my arms wide Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Dream Variations Subject(s): African Americans; Imagination; Nature; Negroes; American Blacks; Fancy DREAM VARIATIONS [OR, VARIATION], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To fling my arms wide Last Line: Night coming tenderly %black like me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Dream Variation Subject(s): African Americans; Imagination; Nature DREAMER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I take my dreams Last Line: I continue to dream Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREAMING BLUES, by WILLIE REED Poem Source First Line: I'm going to leave you : but I'll be bac some old day Last Line: And that man had my woman : lord and the blues had me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DREAMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hold fast to dreams Last Line: Life is a barren field %frozen with snow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DREENA'S NOTEBOOK THAT MAKES PEOPLE LAUGH, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My drawings come bright Last Line: He'd been really nasty to me Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DRESSED UP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had ma clothes cleaned Last Line: But I ain't got nobody %for to call me sweet Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DRINKING RAZOR SOUP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: He's been drinkin' razzer soup Last Line: Cain't more 'an drive dat ole mule chyart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DRIVE AWAY BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart : in my hand in my hand Last Line: You drove me away : and drove my heart insane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRIVING STORY; MYTH STORY AND LIFE, by SHERLEY ANNE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: The darkened bedroom, the double bed Last Line: History is them; it is also theirs to make Subject(s): African Americans - Women DROP DOWN, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: My old lady coming ; down the line Last Line: Women out there : look like sex of men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DROP DOWN MAMA, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now drop down baby : let your ??? Be Last Line: You know I ain't no stranger : done been here before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DROP DOWN MAMA, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Drop down mama : let daddy see Last Line: Because when you get to chicago : these women walking around here any day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DROP THAT SACK, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now I got a gal : works in the yard Last Line: If you ever come back : you got to drop that sack Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRUM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy says the world is Last Line: I'm gonna beat %out my own rhythm Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life DRUM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bear in mind / that death is a drum Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The DRUM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bear in mind %that death is a drum Last Line: Calling life %to come! %come! %come! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death DRUM (FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.), by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The drums - pa-rum - the rat-tat-tat - of drums Last Line: The drums are calling - pa-rum pa-rum - rat-tat-tat pa-rum Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) DRUM MAN, by WANDA WINBUSH Poem Source First Line: Brown skinbeat pounds your hot rhythms Last Line: As you play me into ecstasy Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music DRUMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I dream of the drums Last Line: Remember! %I remember! %remember Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DRUNKARD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Voice grows thicker %as song grows stronger Last Line: Trying to forget to remember %the taste of the day Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DRUNKARD'S SPECIAL, by COLEY JONES Poem Source First Line: First night that I went home : drunk as I could be Last Line: Hair on a cabbage head : I've never seen him before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRUNKEN BARRELHOUSE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: If you listen to me good people : I'll tell you what it's all about Last Line: I feel myself getting sober : I want to get back drunk again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRUNKEN HEARTED MAN, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems to misery Last Line: But the day you get weak for no-good woman : that's the day that you surely fall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRUNKEN LOVER, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the stagnant hour Last Line: For the wind to cool my head Subject(s): African Americans DRY LAND BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I can look through muddy water baby : and spy dry land Last Line: What you going to do : when your trouble get like mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRY SOUTHERN BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Well my mind leads me : to take a trip down south Last Line: I got a brown yonder in dallas : I's afraid to call her name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRY SPELL BLUES--PART 1, by SON HOUSE Poem Source First Line: The dry spell blues have fallen : drive me from door to door Last Line: Now ain't nothing to do : bootleg moonshine and rye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRY SPELL BLUES--PART 2, by SON HOUSE Poem Source First Line: It have been so dry : you can make a powderhouse out of the world Last Line: For it's very likely : bound to rain somewhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DRY WELL BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: When I was living at lula : I was living there at ease Last Line: Lord you ought to have been there : lord see the womens all leaving town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DUCK YAS-YAS-YAS, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: Mama bought a rooster : she thought it was a duck Last Line: I better stop that noise : before they crack my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DUKE SEE THE TIE PILE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs DUSK, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Like you %letting down your purple-shadowed hair Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women DUSK, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twin stars through my purpling pane Last Line: And the dusk. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Dusk DUSK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wandering in the dusk Last Line: And chains be gone Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DUSK SONG FOR THE BROWN BOMBER, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: A credit to his race in the ring Last Line: For joe %(they stink worse than feet but's good eatin) %somehog meat for joe made real fine Subject(s): African Americans; Boxing And Boxers; Louis, Joe (1914-1981); Sports DUSTBOWL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The land %wants me to come back Last Line: Wants me %to come back Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DUSTING, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Every day a wilderness Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DUSTING, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Every day a wilderness Last Line: Long before the shadow and sun's accomplice, the tree %maur ice Subject(s): African Americans DYIN' RIDER BLUES, by ROMEO NELSON Poem Source First Line: I got a letter from my rider : what do you reckon it read Last Line: The way I been treated : I sure will pass away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) DYING BEAST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sensing death, %the buzzards gather Last Line: When life -- %is dead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans DYING PICKPOCKET BLUES, by NOLAN WELSH Poem Source First Line: It was in new york city workhouse : *so they called big sam for days* Last Line: I've ruined her health : trying to spring me from this vault Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Pickpockets DYNAMITE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I feel like tramping : from the *great big corral* Last Line: Going down with the whales : and the mermaids make love to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EACH ONE, PULL ONE, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We must say it all, and as clearly Subject(s): African Americans; Writing & Writers; Artists; Negroes; American Blacks EAGLE EYED MAMA, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: My woman got eyes like an eagle : and she watching me all the time Last Line: If I ever leave here : I must be going insane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EAGLE RIDING PAPA, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Listen everybody : from near and far Last Line: Always have : seven eight or nine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EAGLES ON A HALF, by GEESHIE WILEY Poem Source First Line: It's a low it's a low low : lowdown dirty shame Last Line: I love you daddy : want your dollar first Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EARLY EVENING QUARREL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is that sugar, hammond Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Quarrels; Negroes; American Blacks; Arguments; Disagreements EARLY EVENING QUARREL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is that sugar, hammond Last Line: I wonder is there nowhere a %do-right man? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Quarrels EARLY EVENING, FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: It is 1965. I am not yet born, only Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping EARLY EVENING, FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is 1965. I am not yet born, only Last Line: Dead center of her life Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping EARLY EVERY MORN', by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Everybody in this world : got something that they crave Last Line: A funny feeling : goes from my head to my toes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EARLY IN THE MORNIN', by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Early in the mornin' jes' about the break uv day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs EARLY IN THE MORNING, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Lord when a little girl become twelve years old : begin to think she's grown Last Line: I know you don't love me : you wild about mr so-and-so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EARLY IN THE MORNING NO.2, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: Says me and my good girl : we had a falling out Last Line: Then I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EARLY LOSSES: A REQUIEM. PART 1, by ALICE WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nyanu was appointed %as my lord. The husband chosen Last Line: The sound itself is all Subject(s): African Americans - Women EARLY LOSSES: A REQUIEM. PART 2. THE CHILD, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A sound like a small wind Last Line: The sound itself is all Subject(s): African Americans - Women EARLY LOSSES: A REQUIEM. PART 2. THE CHILD, by ALICE WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A sound like a small wind Last Line: Her only treasure %and never spent Subject(s): African Americans - Women EARLY MORNING BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Early this morning : my baby made me sore Last Line: The day you try to quit me : baby that's the day you die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EARTH SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's an earth song Last Line: And I've been waiting long %for an earth song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EASE IT TO ME BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Some people want to have plenty of money : some want their wine and song Last Line: I'm going to kill everybody : ever treat me mean Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EASIN' BACK TO TENNESSEE, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now woke up this morning : couldn't hardly see Last Line: That's where you get : my nineteen and thirty-two Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EASY BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down in the bass Last Line: Do you hear what I said? %easy like I rock it %in my bed! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EASY RIDER BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Says I wonder where: my easy rider gone Last Line: Say when you get to loving: man I near about to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EASY RIDER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Now tell me : where my easy rider's gone Last Line: You turn your back to quit me : woman and you don't know how Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Disasters; Railroad Wrecks EASY RIDER DON'T DENY MY NAME, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Going up to town : what you want me to bring you back Last Line: The day you quit me : that's the day you die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EASY TO LOVE, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: And he went up into the mountain Last Line: And he was new baptized Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) ECSTASY, by VIRGINIA A. HOUSTON Poem Source First Line: Even here, dwelling in the chaos Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women EL BESO, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twilight - and you Last Line: And again, quiet -- the stars, %twilight -- and you Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women EL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The icy evil that struck his father down Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks EL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The icy evil that struck his father down Last Line: Were one. He rose renewed renamed, became %much more than there was time for him to be Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) ELDER'S HE'S MY SON, by COLEY JONES Poem Source First Line: I washes hard : both day and night Last Line: The police don't get you : now the undertaker must Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ELDERLY LEADERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old, the cautious, the over-wise Last Line: Their master's %goose laid: %$$$$$ Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ELDRIDGE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody mentioned war Last Line: Break, or / be broken Subject(s): Civil Rights Movement; African Americans; Cleaver, Eldridge (1935-1998) ELDRIDGE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The edge %of this Last Line: Break, or be broken Subject(s): African Americans; Strength ELEGY FOR THE DUKE OF MARMALADE, by LOUNES MATOUB Poem Source First Line: Oh, my fine, my honey-colored duke of marmalade! Last Line: Oh my fine, my honey-colored duke of marmalade? Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors And Ancestry ELEGY FOR THE NATIVE GUARD, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We leave gulfport at noon; gulls overhead Subject(s): African Americans - Soldiers; American Civil War; Ship Island (mississippi) ELEGY ON A NORDIC WHITE PROTESTANT, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lazy petals of magnolia-bloom float down the sluggish river Last Line: Rising, forever, rising! Subject(s): African Americans; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks ELEPHANT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My mammy gimme fifteen cents Last Line: An' he won't git back 'fore de fo'th o' july Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ELEVATOR BOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I got a job now Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Elevators; Negroes; American Blacks ELEVATOR BOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I got a job now Last Line: I been runnin' this %elevator too long. %guess I'll quit now Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Elevators ELEVEN TWENTY-NINE BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: She ain't good-looking : but the good gal do go clean Last Line: I'm going to ask that jailor : can I do my good gal's time myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ELIZABETH KECKLEY: 30 YEARS A SLAVE AND 4 YEARS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tall man lincoln looking out the windows Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Serfs ELM STREET BLUES, by TEXAS BILL DAY Poem Source First Line: Elm street painted in brass : main street painted in gold Last Line: If you want to make a good woman : have to get on *hospital*avenue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ELM STREET WOMAN BLUES, by CARL DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Now if you're ever in dallas boy : please visit old elm street Last Line: Lord I'm crazy about my pork and beans : wild about my good beef stew Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ELSIE BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Elsie : is sweetest girl I know Last Line: If your good man don't see you : I'll try to see you tomorrow night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ELVENA, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There is a house down on old roman street Last Line: What have you lost today? Subject(s): African Americans EMANCIPATION, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis a time for much rejoicing Last Line: God is with us now, forever. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States EMANCIPATION OF GEORGE-HECTOR (A COLORED TURTLE), by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: George-hector %...Is %spoiled Last Line: But %he does now Subject(s): African Americans EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That he is human...And living... Last Line: Our symbol of a dream %that will not die Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EMPRESS BRAND TRIM: RUBY REMINISCENCES, by SHERLEY ANNE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: He was still uncle Last Line: And they always did Subject(s): African Americans - Women EMPTY BED BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : with an awful aching head Last Line: Else he'll double-cross you %and leave you with them empty bed blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EMPTY HOUSE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was in the empty house Last Line: More pain than a cutting knife Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EMPTY HOUSE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: The furniture man : he done been here and gone Last Line: Soon as you get some of my loving : they can't keep you out of town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EMPTY ROOM BLUES, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: My room was empty : and my woman was gone Last Line: You come home feeling very happy : and find only a empty room Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ENCOUNTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I met you on your way to death Last Line: My own misery Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans END, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are %no clocks on the wall Last Line: Outside the door. There is no door! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans END OF TEN LITTLE NEGROES (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ten liddle niggers, a-eatin', fat an' fine Last Line: Gun go off 'bang!' an' dat lef' none Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ENDANGERED SPECIES, by FLORENCE ANTHONY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The color of violence is black Last Line: Of a nation %that delivered rhetoric %in exchange for its promises Alternate Author Name(s): Ai Subject(s): African Americans; Riots ENEMY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It would be nice Last Line: As I come up %feeling swell Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ENGLISH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In ships all over the world Last Line: Comb their hair for dinner Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ENNUI, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's such a / bore Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ENNUI, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's such a %bore Last Line: Being always %poor Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ENSLAVED, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh when I think of my long-suffering race Last Line: To liberate my people from its yoke! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans - History; Slavery; Black Heritage; Serfs ENTERING THE SOUTH, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have put on my mother's coat Last Line: Heavy and dark and alive Subject(s): African Americans; Animal Rights; Fur Trade; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Animal Abuse; Vivisection; Furs; South (u.s.) ENTERING THE SOUTH, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have put on my mother's coat Last Line: Heavy and dark and alive Subject(s): African Americans; Animal Rights; Fur Trade; Southern States ENVOY TO AFRICA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My name is lord piggly-wiggly wogglesfoot brown Last Line: If you'll just stay in your place Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EPITAFIO, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: They came drowned in the afternoon to the blue house Last Line: And their sister, also, on the mossy rocky road to africa Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Travel EPITAPH (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uncle tom, %when he was alive Last Line: Uncle tom %is dead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EPITAPH FOR ETHERIDGE KNIGHT, by MELBA JOYCE BOYD Poem Source First Line: You lunged %at this square toed Last Line: Belly songs %of love Subject(s): African Americans; Knight, Etheridge (1931-1991) EPITAPH [1], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Within this grave lie Last Line: Lies nothing more %than I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EPITAPH: FOR A LADY I KNOW, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She thinks that even up in heaven Last Line: To do celestial chores. Subject(s): African Americans; Religion; Social Classes; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology; Caste EPITAPH: FOR MY GRANDMOTHER, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This lovely flower fell to seed Last Line: That she would grow again. Subject(s): Grandparents; African Americans; Death; Flowers; Grandparents; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers EPITAPH: FOR MY GRANDMOTHER, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This lovely flower fell to seed Last Line: That she would grow again. Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Flowers; Grandparents; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers EPITAPH: FOR PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Born of the sorrowful of heart Subject(s): African Americans; Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906); Negroes; American Blacks EPITAPH: FOR PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Born of the sorrowful of heart Last Line: In jest, to hide a heart that bled Subject(s): African Americans; Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) EPITOME, by RUTH G. DIXON Poem Source First Line: Emerges now a hero new Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women ERIE TRAIN BLUES, by MILTON SPARKS Poem Source First Line: Lord I hate to hear : that erie train whistle when he blow Last Line: That train come and stole my baby people : swear it won't bring her back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ESCAPE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shadows, shadows Last Line: Profound. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Shadows ETHEL SINGS 'EM, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: It's getting so I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't laugh for crying Last Line: It jams everybody : now it's about to jam poor me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ETHIOPIA SALUTING THE COLORS, by WALT WHITMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who are you dusky woman, so ancient hardly human Last Line: Are the things so strange and marvellous you see or have seen? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; American Civil War; Georgia (state); Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History EURYDICE, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Negress serene though underground Last Line: Tugged northward into night Subject(s): African Americans - Women EURYDICE, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Negress serene though underground Last Line: You gone, negress serene, %tugged northward into night Subject(s): African Americans - Women EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER WENT CAMPING, by MARIA MADISON Poem Source First Line: When typhoons rage Last Line: I'll always know what love is Subject(s): African Americans EVENIN' AIR BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Folks, I come up north Last Line: Just look at me and see! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EVENING NEWS, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A wail %a whoop %a line brought back from nowhere Last Line: There is no place %to go? Subject(s): African Americans EVENING SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A woman standing in the doorway Last Line: Well, I hope that lamb of mary's %don't turn out like I am Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EVENING SONG ON OUR STREET, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was almost bedtime, and something was wrong Last Line: By both my hands again, and we walked home Subject(s): African Americans; Sickness; Singing & Singers; Streets; Negroes; American Blacks; Illness; Avenues EVENT, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ever since they'd left the tennessee ridge Last Line: A stinking circle of rags, %the half-shell mandolin. %where the wheel turned the water %gently shirr Subject(s): African Americans EVERGREEN MONEY BLUES, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: I been drinking all night long baby : mama I ain't going to drink no more Last Line: I allow you don't need no telling mama : babe because you already know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVERY MORNING BLUES, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: Says every morning every morning : I wakes with the rising sun Last Line: For you would take my money : then you will slip on home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVERY WOMAN BLUES, by ANNA BELL Poem Source First Line: I love my daddy : better than I love myself Last Line: If you take a peep in my back yard : better take a look at mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVERY WOMAN'S BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm so worried : down-hearted in mind Last Line: My brown treat me so mean : sometime don't know right from wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVERYBODY BUT ME, by MARGARET GOSS BURROUGHS Poem Source First Line: You say you believe in democracy for everybody Last Line: It will mean me Subject(s): African Americans - Women EVERYBODY OUHTA MAKE A CHANGE, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now change in the ocean : change in the deep blue sea Last Line: I change baby : just to keep from being balked Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVERYBODY'S READING LI PO' SILKSCREENED ON A PURPLE T-SHIRT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Li po who? Last Line: What a diamond-studded %garter looks like? Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Cities; Li Po (701-762) EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT SADIE GREEN, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: Down in memphis : tennessee Last Line: Some day : I'll see what sadie's got Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVERYTHING HAPPENS TO (MONK AND) ME, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We hustle hard as the rest of the folk me and my baby Last Line: Full up with longing %in the streets Subject(s): African Americans EVIL BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Yes yes : worst feeling I ever had Last Line: These old evil blues keep following me : death valley going to be my home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVIL DEVIL BLUES, by JOHNNIE TEMPLE Poem Source First Line: I'd rather be dead : and in my horrible tomb Last Line: Lord he got lucky : and stoled her back again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVIL DEVIL WOMAN BLUES, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: I'd rather be the devil : be that woman's man Last Line: I tried to be : tried to be a man to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVIL HEARTED WOMAN, by OSCAR WOODS Poem Source First Line: I had an evil-hearted woman : she mistreated me all the time Last Line: Thinking about you jesse : you have been with someone else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVIL MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It must have been yesterday Last Line: Fore it is too late Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EVIL WOMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I ain't gonna mistreat ma Last Line: Else I'll use her head %for a carpet tack Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EVIL WOMAN BLUES, by JAMES BOODLE IT WIGGINS Poem Source First Line: I wake up every morning : with leaving on my mind Last Line: I want to see : if I can find my good gal there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EVIL-HEARTED WOMAN, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: You evil-hearted woman : you got a heart like a stone Last Line: I done took your foolishness long enough : and I don't want you no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EX-JUDGE AT THE BAR, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bartender, make it straight and make it two Last Line: One for the negro - one for you and me Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans EXITS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sea is deep %a knife is sharp Last Line: From where %no soul returns Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EXITS AND ENTRANCES, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Through random doors we wandered Last Line: But armed with the invincible sword and shield %of our own names and faces Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Identity EXODUS, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: Rank fennel and broom Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women EXPECTANT, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nights are hardest, the swelling Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping EXPECTANT, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nights are hardest, the swelling Last Line: Carrying her, slightly swaying home Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping EXPEDITUS, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You say you believe Last Line: As you cut across the square' Subject(s): African Americans EXPENDABLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We will take you and kill you Last Line: If your head %can be found Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EXPERIENCE BLUES, by RUTH MARY WILLIS Poem Source First Line: I once loved a man : that didn't mean me no good Last Line: That's why I'm singing : these old experience blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EXPLAIN IT, PLEASE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see by the papers %what seems mighty funny to me Last Line: And a handful of dung for me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans EXPLAINING THE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Whole world would be forgived me : if I could just explain Last Line: But I'll never be down-hearted : if I can explain these blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EXPOSITION OF THE CONTENTS OF A CAB, by WALLACE STEVENS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Victoria clementina, negress Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Taxis EXPOSITION OF THE CONTENTS OF A CAB, by WALLACE STEVENS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Victoria clementina, negress Last Line: Except linen, embroidered %by elderly women? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Taxis EXPRESSMAN BLUES, by JAMES YANK RACHEL Poem Source First Line: I said expressman expressman lord : you have parked your wagon wrong Last Line: I'm going to put this mandolin under my arm : to the ??? *cafe* ill go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) EXULTATION, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: O day! %with sun glowing Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women EYE-LUV-U, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: I was sittin' in class Last Line: About dante + me, 4-ever Subject(s): African Americans; Love EZEKIEL SAW THE WHEEL, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: Ezeekiel saw de wheel Last Line: "dis ole worl' gwine reel an' rock, / 'way in de middle ob de air" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals FACING IT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Text Poem Explanation Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: My black face fades Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States; War; Negroes; American Blacks; America FACING IT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My black face fades Last Line: No, she's brushing a boy's hair Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States; War FACT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's been an eagle on a nickel Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Money; Negroes; American Blacks FACT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's been an eagle on a nickel Last Line: An eagle on a quarter, too. %but there ain't no eagle %on a dime Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Money FAIR TIMES IN OLD TENNESSEE, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography Last Line: Lord, when I die, jes' take me whar a fair is allers gwine! Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Tennessee; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) FAIRIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of the dust of dreams Last Line: No wonder we find them such marvellous things Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FAITHFUL ONE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though I go drunken Last Line: At end of day Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FAKING BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I got plenty of whiskey : put them up on the shelf Last Line: I thought about my faking jellyroll : come on back to town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FALLING DOWN BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk Last Line: If I ever see her : I never turn around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FALLING DOWN BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I'm tired of standing : on the long lonesome road Last Line: I will meet you some day : when you down in hard luck too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FALLING RAIN BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: The storm is rising : the rains begin to fall Last Line: Every once in a while : think I hear my baby call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FALSE HEARTED WOMAN, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Lying here in prison : longing to be free Last Line: No other false-hearted woman : ooo well well can drive me this a-way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FAMILIES, FAMILIES, by DOROTHY S. STRICKLAND Poem Source Last Line: Caring and sharing, %and loving you Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life FAMILY PORTRAIT, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before the picture man comes Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping FAMILY PORTRAIT, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before the picture man comes Last Line: As-years later-I'd itch for what's not there Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping FAMILY TROUBLE BLUES, by ANDREW HOGG Poem Source First Line: Well now I have a woman : I try to treat her right Last Line: Well now you have a new man : ooo well well she can't use me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FANCIES, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mid parted clouds, all silver-edged Last Line: And life's strange tale is told. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans - Women FANTASY, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sailed in my dreams to the land of night Last Line: And whistled a song to the dark-haired queen Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women FANTASY IN PURPLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beat the drums of tragedy for me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The FANTASY IN PURPLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beat the drums of tragedy for me Last Line: To go with me %to the darkness %were I go Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death FAR CRY FROM AFRICA, by DEREK WALCOTT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A wind is ruffling the tawny pelt Last Line: How can I face such slaughter and be cool? %how can I turn from africa and live Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History; Ancestors And Ancestry FAR MEMORY: 1. CONVENT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My knees recall the pockets Last Line: And certainly attended. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Convents; Memory; Sisters; Women & Religion; Black Heritage FAR MEMORY: 3. AGAIN, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Born in the year of war Last Line: Of another life. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; War FAR MEMORY: 4. TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THIS LIFE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who did I fail, who Last Line: Of rescue, rescue. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Life; Sisters; Women & Religion; Black Heritage FARE THEE WELL BLUES, by JOE CALICOTT Poem Source First Line: Told me late last fall : you never had no man at all Last Line: Well it's the last chance : shaking in bed with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FAREWELL, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: No more %the fell of your hand Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women FAREWELL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With gypsies and sailors Last Line: And have never seen the seas Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FAREWELL TO YOU BABY, by CARL MARTIN Poem Source First Line: I'm leaving you baby : just because you won't be true Last Line: Farewell to you baby : get yourself a monkey-man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FARRELL BLUES, by HENRY SIMS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to farrell : so I can have my fun Last Line: The blues go away : I am going too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FASCINATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her teeth are as white as the meat of an apple Last Line: And because her skin is the brown of an oak leaf in autumn, but a softer color, %I want to kiss her Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FAST STUFF BLUES, by GEORGE THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I keep tough : I'm clean all the time Last Line: You can't get a baby : because you most too old Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FAT MOUTH BLUES, by BEN CURRY Poem Source First Line: Do anything mama : tell the truth don't mean no lie Last Line: Some of these days mama : you going to do like I want you to Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FAT MOUTH BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Tell me tell me : please has abybody seen my brown Last Line: Then along come a fatmouth : keep me shaking that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FATHER AND SON, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A black man is hugging me around the throat behind with his forearm Last Line: I think he is smiling back as the elevator begins to climb Subject(s): African Americans; Crime And Criminals FATHERS'S TEACHING, by ELANA HAYES Poem Source First Line: He took small brown hands Last Line: Secure in her identity Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers FATTENING FROGS FOR SNAKES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You needn't sen' my gal hoss apples Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FAUBOURG, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The faubourg is a city within the larger city Last Line: What good is any woman's name? Subject(s): African Americans; Louisiana FAUBOURG STUDY NO. 3: THE SEVEN SISTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I do recall the day the last of them Subject(s): African Americans; New Orleans FEATHER BED, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: I went downtown; didn't mean no harm Last Line: Am going across the street ??? : going to town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FED FROM THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I nebber starts to break my cold Last Line: An' done some apple eatin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FEED YOUR FRIEND WITH A LONG HANDLED SPOON, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Boy my mother always taught me : to learn to feed my friends with a long-handle Last Line: I quit a thousand dollar woman : *but it wasn't worth*??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FEELIN' BLUE, by DAISY MARTIN Poem Source First Line: Does anybody : does anybody feel like me Last Line: If I ever find a way to leave him : if we cannot agree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FEET O' JESUS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the feet o' jesus Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FEET O' JESUS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the feet o' jesus Last Line: O, ma little jesus, %please reach out yo' hand Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FENCE BREAKIN' BLUES, by ED SCHAFFER Poem Source First Line: Lord I'm going to start a-rambling : ain't going to stop mama from raising sand Last Line: Now you may treat me right babe : that's all I can do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FENCE BREAKIN' YELLIN' BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Here comes two women : I liked to drove them wild Last Line: You can have all this world : but leave my honeycomb home with me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FERD HEROLD BLUES, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Big boat's up the rivuh an' she won't come down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FEW NEGROES BY STATE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Alabammer nigger say he love mush Last Line: An' break his head on a pone o' co'n bread Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FIELD MOUSE STOMP, by MINNIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: Now use to think : that you are cute Last Line: Trying to be : too hard and rough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIFTY YEARS (1863-1913), by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O brothers mine, today we stand Last Line: God cannot let it come to naught. Subject(s): Abolitionists; African Americans; African Americans - History; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Brown, John (1800-1859); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Lovej FIGHTIN' THE JUG, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Went home last night : my baby won't let me in Last Line: Getting sick and tired : of fighting that jug Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIGURE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He would slump to his knees, now that his agonies Last Line: In metaphor of a place, a time. Is our %time geometrized Subject(s): African Americans FILLMO'E STREET WOMAN, by DEVORAH MAJOR Poem Source First Line: She is a dark woman Last Line: Was black and fierce %like her Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Politics FINAL CALL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Send for the pied piper and let him pipe the rats away Last Line: (and if nobody comes, send for me) Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FINAL CURVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you turn the corner Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FINAL CURVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you turn the corner Last Line: Then you know that you have turned %all the corners that are left Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FINE AND DANDY, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Join up with us, says Last Line: Perfectly good enough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) FINE AND MELLOW, by ELEANORA HOLIDAY Poem Source First Line: My man don't love me Last Line: It has turned off and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FINE PLASTER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en it's sheep skin an' beeswax Last Line: De mo' it sticks de faster Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FIRE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Fire gonna burn ma soul! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Fir Subject(s): African Americans; Fire FIRE DEPARTMENT BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now go call the fire department : for my house is burning down Last Line: You know little martha hardin's house done burnt down : she done moved on bathurst street Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIRE DETECTIVE BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: My house burning down : the firemen are taking their time Last Line: Reason why it worries me : to hear that fire bell ring Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIRE-CAUGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The gold moth did not love him Last Line: She fell, fire-caught, into the flame Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FIRED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Awake all night with loving Last Line: With caledonia's arm %beneath my head Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FIRST AND LAST BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I'm just sitting here thinking : thinking about the first Last Line: And maybe people : ooo well well I could get her to understand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIRST OF MAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I believe it to be true Last Line: I await %my first of may Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FIRST SHALL BE THE LAST AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Well now the first shall be the last : and the last shall be the first Last Line: If I just could know : ooo well well now what woman treats me the worst Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIRST TIME I MET YOU, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: The first time I met the blues mama : they came walking through the wood Last Line: They give me more hard luck and trouble : then I ever had before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIRSTLY INCLINED TO TAKE WHAT IT IS TOLD, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thee sacrosanct, - thee sweet, thee crystalline Last Line: I had been brightly ready to believe Subject(s): African Americans - Military FISHING SIMON (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Simon tuck his hook an' pole Last Line: He give sunday fishin' up Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FIVE BLACK MEN, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Douglass, du bois, garvey, king, and malcolm x Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); Du Bois, William Edward B. (1868-1963); Garvey, Marcus (1887-1940); King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968); Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Reform And Reformers; Writing And Wri FIX IT, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Now when I fix it lady : sure will be mighty good Last Line: I fixed so many of them : all over this neighborhood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIX IT, by JANE LUCAS Poem Source First Line: Mr oh mr : can't you fix this thing for me Last Line: So don't have no part missing : I want you to work all night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FIXIN' TO DIE BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: I'm looking funny in my eyes : and I believe I'm fixing to die Last Line: And don't leave them screaming and crying : on the graveyard ground Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLAP-JACKS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I loves my wife, an' I loves my baby Last Line: Fer I hain't gwineter give you no flap-jack Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FLATTED FIFTHS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little cullud boys with beards Last Line: And dig all plays. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks FLOATING BRIDGE, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I never will forget : that floating bridge Last Line: Lord have mercy : where we going Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLOOD BLUES, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: I'm standing in this water : wishing I had a boat Last Line: What else is there : for a poor girl to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLOOD WATER BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It's been snowing forty days and nights : lakes and rivers begin to freeze Last Line: The flood water have broke the levee : and we ain't safe here no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLORIDA BOUND, by EDWARD+(3) THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to florida : where I can have my fun Last Line: Don't you let them bell-bottom : make no fool of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLORIDA ROAD WORKERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hey, buddy! %look at me! Last Line: I'm makin' a road! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Florida; Labor And Laborers FLOTSAM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the shoals of nowhere Last Line: And blown along Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FLOUNDER, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here, she said, put this on your head Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping FLOUNDER, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here, she said, put this on your head Last Line: I stood there watching that fish flip-flop, %switch sides with every jump Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping FLOWER BLUES, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: I'd rather see the flowers : growing on top of my baby's grave Last Line: I will work hard and I'll slave : babe I'll bring that money back home to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLOWERS, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: My stepfather brought me flowers today Last Line: Becaurse I had just sung my first solo Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels FLOWERS OF DARKNESS, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Slowly the night blooms, unfurling Subject(s): African Americans; Flowers; Negroes; American Blacks FLOWERS OF DARKNESS, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Slowly the night blooms, unfurling Last Line: With you and the blossomig night %for what flower, plucked, %lingers long? Subject(s): African Americans; Flowers FLYING CROW BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Flying crow leave port arthur : come to shreveport to change her crew Last Line: The red is for trouble : and the green is for my rambling mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FLYING CROW LEAVE PORT ARTHUR : WHY THEY COME IN SHREVEPORT, by UNKNOWN+203A Poem Source First Line: To change their crew Last Line: Well I hate to hear : that old fireman when he tones the bell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FO DAY CREEP, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: You passed my door brown : you won't even look in Last Line: Some are *so ???Ing* : some are so lowdown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Singing black boatmen Last Line: We strange so-civilized ones %sail in always Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FOLK SONG, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "steal away, steal away, steal away to jesus" Last Line: I ain't got long to stay here Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;jesus Christ; Negro Spirituals FOLK SONG, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "go down, moses, / way down in egypt land" Last Line: Let my people go Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;egypt; Negro Spirituals FOLLOW THAT GENT'MEN WITH A HAT ON HIS HEAD (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Green grows the willow tree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FOOL'S BLUES, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Some people tell me : god takes care of old folks and fools Last Line: People it don't seem like to me : that god takes care of old folks and fools Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOR A GODCHILD, REGINA, ON THE OCCASION OF HER FIRST LOVE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Blood sister / our fingers join beneath the veins Last Line: & walk under the cool trees Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights; Feminism FOR A GODCHILD, REGINA, ON THE OCCASION OF HER FIRST LOVE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Blood sister %our fingers join beneath the veins Last Line: We will climb as on a swing %& walk under the cool trees Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights FOR AN INDIAN SCREEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Clutching at trees and clawing rocks Last Line: In a far-off land like a fairy scene Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FOR BABIES, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I visit babies %after the sun Last Line: Is going to be %all right Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels FOR BILLIE HOLIDAY, by KEORAPETSE KGOSITSILE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Lady day, lady day Alternate Author Name(s): Kgositsile, Keropatse Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers FOR BLACK POETS WHO THINK OF LEADERSHIP, by DIANA HELEN MELHEM Poem Source First Line: By song Last Line: Black poets: %you enact the deep heroic line Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) FOR CHARLES H. ROWELL, ON THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER 1, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Go tell them I have laid down my yard shoes Last Line: And I am still a living man Subject(s): African Americans FOR CHARLES H. ROWELL, ON THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER 2, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My father stood in the field that evening Last Line: Motioning over the field Subject(s): African Americans FOR CHARLES H. ROWELL, ON THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER 3, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My mouth is a barren plot of ground Last Line: My name has been josiah Subject(s): African Americans FOR CHARLES H. ROWELL, ON THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER: 4., by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It is over now Last Line: Rolling over the rich alabama soil %on my daddy's land Variant Title(s): For Charles H. Rowell, On The Death Of His Father Subject(s): African Americans FOR COLORED GIRLS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dark phases of womanhood Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans – Women FOR DEAD MIMES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O white-faced mimes Last Line: Rest forever %with pierrot Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FOR DELAWD, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: People say they have a hard time Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FOR DELAWD, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: People say they have a hard time Last Line: For their still alive sons %for their sons coming %for their sons gone %just pushing Subject(s): African Americans FOR FRECKLED-FACED GERALD, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Now you take ol rufus. He beat drums Subject(s): African Americans; Prisons & Prisoners; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Convicts FOR FRECKLED-FACED GERALD, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now you take ol rufus. He beat drums Last Line: And at night light upon his back Subject(s): African Americans; Prisons And Prisoners; Youth FOR FREEDOM, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thank god! 'tis the war-cry! They call us; we come; Last Line: O comrades, strike boldly! Our triumph is nigh! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Slavery; Soldiers; U.s. - History; Serfs FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER, by GRAZIELLA MAGGIO Poem Text First Line: He took the warm, brown earth into his hand Last Line: This man with willing hands and faith in god. Subject(s): African Americans; Carver, George Washington (1864-1943); Negroes; American Blacks FOR GWEN, 1969, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The slender, shy, and sensitive young girl Last Line: In their footsteps pulsate daily %all her black words of fire and blood Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women FOR HAKI, by SATIAFA Poem Source First Line: Teach %me Last Line: Among %the people Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry And Poets FOR LEONARD, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Each %day with Last Line: You are my %constancy, my haven from storm Subject(s): African Americans FOR LIL LOUIS, by THOMAS C. DENT Poem Source First Line: Louis I'm trying to understand what you were Last Line: & only the moon will understand %lou/is Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Jazz; Music And Musicians FOR LOUIS ARMSTRONG, A JU-JU, by SARAH WEBSTER FABIO Poem Source First Line: Louis, louis, louis, louis Last Line: Blow on out %of %this %world Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Jazz; Music And Musicians FOR M.W., by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is no transcience of twilight in Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Beauty FOR MALCOLM X, by NANINA ALBA Poem Source First Line: From my personal album Last Line: One sees - '...Indomitable that %obelisk of a beard admonishes the heavens' Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) FOR MALCOLM X, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All you violated ones with gentle hearts Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry FOR MALCOLM X, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All you violated ones with gentle hearts Last Line: When and where will another come to take your holy place? %old man mumbling in his dotage, or crying Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Racism FOR MALCOLM, A YEAR AFTER, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Compose for red a proper verse Last Line: But not the anger of that day Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks FOR MALCOLM, A YEAR AFTER, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Compose for red a proper verse Last Line: But not the anger of that day Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) FOR MALCOLM, U.S.A., by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Thin, black javelin %flying low Last Line: Malcolm was %my native land Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) FOR MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great amazon of god behold your bread Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Bethune, Mary Mcleod (1875-1955); Teaching And Teachers FOR MICHAEL ON HIS THIRD BIRTHDAY, by PATRICIA PARKER Poem Source First Line: A distant time past Last Line: Men - beautiful and black Alternate Author Name(s): Parker, Pat Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Birthdays FOR MY BROTHER, by MONIFA ATUNGAYE Poem Source First Line: My last swim Last Line: I want to speak to them %so you can come home Subject(s): African Americans FOR MY FATHER: ON THE GIFT OF ANOTHER EYE, by DOLORES KENDRICK Poem Source First Line: Now you have %another eye Last Line: Whisper your tired and galloping %visions to a second sight Subject(s): African Americans FOR MY PEOPLE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: For my people everywhere singing their slave songs repeatedly Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty FOR MY PEOPLE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For my people everywhere singing their slave songs repeatedly Last Line: Let a race of men now rise and take control Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom FOR PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A man whose life was like a candle's flame Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) FOR ROBERT HAYDEN, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: He extended to truths Last Line: Love of all mankind and art Subject(s): African Americans; Hayden, Robert (1913-1980) FOR RUSSELL AND ROWENA JELLIFFE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And so the seed Last Line: (from poems you made) %for you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FOR SALOME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There %is no sweetness Last Line: What would you with death's head Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FOR STRONG WOMEN, by MICHELLE T. CLINTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Listen %sometimes, when you have innocently & mistakenly overlooked your needs Last Line: As though none of it could ever happen %ever Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights FOR THE CANDLE LIGHT, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sky was blue, so blue that day Subject(s): African Americans - Women FOR THE CANDLE LIGHT, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sky was blue, so blue that day Last Line: I have in a book for the candle light %a daisy dead and dry Subject(s): African Americans - Women FOR THE CONFEDERATE DEAD, by KEVIN YOUNG Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These are the last days Subject(s): African Americans - History; Black Heritage FOR THE ONE, by JENNIFER E. SMITH Poem Source First Line: Sometimes we never notice Last Line: Searching for the one Subject(s): African Americans FOR THE RECORD; IN MEMORY OF ELEANOR BUMPURS, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Call out the colored girls Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Bumpurs, Eleanor; Exiles; Labor & Laborers; Violence; Estrangement; Outcasts; Work; Workers FOR THE RECORD; IN MEMORY OF ELEANOR BUMPURS, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Call out the colored girls Last Line: Planning their return %and they weren't even %sisters Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Bumpurs, Eleanor; Exiles; Labor And Laborers; Violence FOR THE UNION DEAD, by ROBERT LOWELL Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The old south boston aquarium stands Variant Title(s): Colonel Shaw And The Massachusetts 54 Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Boston; Duty; Heroism; Massachusetts; Monuments; Racism; Saint-gaudens, Augustus (1848-1907); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; United States - History; Heroes; Heroines; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry FOR THE UNION DEAD, by ROBERT LOWELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old south boston aquarium stands Last Line: A savage servility %slides by on grease Variant Title(s): Colonel Shaw And The Massachusetts 5 Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Boston; Duty; Heroism; Massachusetts; Monuments; Racism; Saint-gaudens, Augustus (1848-1907); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; U.s. - History FOR UNBORN MALCOLMS, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Git the word out Last Line: A stone/ cold/ death / yeah Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks FOR UNBORN MALCOLMS, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Git the word out Last Line: Is gonna be his white meat. %yeah Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) FOR URI AT 16, by ANEB KGOSITSILE Poem Source First Line: Though your stretching toward manhood Last Line: They swing happily forward %on the energy of your long stride Subject(s): African Americans FOR YELLOW ROSES, by COLLETTE ARMSTEAD Poem Source First Line: A black swan Last Line: Yellow roses in the midst of winter Subject(s): African Americans FORBIDDEN FRUIT, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: The first person Last Line: Just bitten into Subject(s): African Americans; Childhood Memories FOREDOOM, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her life was dwarfed, and wed to blight Last Line: Her soul, a bud,—that never bloomed Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry FORMULA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poetry should treat %of lofty things Last Line: Soaring thoughts %and birds with wings Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry And Poets FORTY-FOUR, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If de people'll jes gimme Last Line: What chapter did he read frim? 'twsu forty-fo'! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FORTY-FOUR BLUES, by JAMES BOODLE IT WIGGINS Poem Source First Line: I ealked on and on : with my forty-four in my hand Last Line: I wake up every morning : wolves sitting in my door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOUR DAY BLUES, by TOMMIE BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: Lord it's early this morning : lord about four o'clock Last Line: Lord she'll take bad treatment : and she'll do the best thing she can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOUR DAY HONORY SCAT, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I have a man I can't control : I don't know what to do Last Line: Want you to tell it : to who you choose Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOUR DAY RIDER, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I'm a 'fore-day rider mama : riding all night long Last Line: You brought me these blues mama : seems like they're going to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOUR FLUSHING PAPA, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Four-flushing papa : what kind of man is you Last Line: You take it all papa : because it's all yours Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOUR GLIMPSES OF NIGHT, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Eagerly Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Night; Negroes; American Blacks; Bedtime FOUR GLIMPSES OF NIGHT, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Eagerly Last Line: Shatters into a billion fragments %of quiet shadows %at the blaring jazz %of a morning sun Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Night FOUR RUNAWAY NEGROES - WHENCE THEY CAME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Once fo' runaway niggers Last Line: Fer dat gal wus sweeter dan sugar cane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FOUR WALLS, by BLANCHE TAYLOR DICKINSON Poem Source First Line: Four great walls have hemmed me in Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women FOURTEENTH STREET BLUES, by UNKNOWN+204 Poem Source First Line: Fourteenth street women : don't mean no man no good Last Line: Had the nerve to tell me : another man's got my place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOURTH AND BEALE, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: And it's hey mama : I'm going to leave your town Last Line: If I can't find roberta : I hope to find lucille Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FOURTH OF JULY THOUGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Remember on our far-flung fronts Last Line: The home front is you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FOX AND GEESE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Br'er fox wak'd out one moonshiny night Last Line: Yes, I heard 'im w'en he holler 'quinny-quanio' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FOX AND GEESE PLAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Fox in de mawning Last Line: More 'an you're able to ketch Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FOX AND RABBIT DRINKING PROPOSITION, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Fox on de low ground Last Line: I wants it fer myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FRAGMENT, by JESSIE REDMOND FAUSET Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The breath of life imbued those few dim days Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women FRAGMENT, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the woman with the black black skin Last Line: I am the laughing woman who's afraid to sleep. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Fear FRAGMENT, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hand of fate cannot be stayed Last Line: God is not love, no, god is law. Subject(s): African Americans; Injustice; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs FRAGMENTS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whispers %of springtime Last Line: With too many %tunes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FRANCE BLUES, by PAPA HARVEY HULL Poem Source First Line: Have you ever took a trip : baby on the mobile line Last Line: So you can talk to your daddy : any time when he's gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRANK ALBERT & VIOLA BENZENA OWENS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She waited on the 7th floor Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women FRANK ALBERT & VIOLA BENZENA OWENS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She waited on the 7th floor Last Line: The carpenter tendin to his own %movin north Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women FRANK STROKE'S DREAM, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: And I'm going I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay Last Line: When the frank stokes blues come around : I got a place to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: Frankie and johnnie were lovers Last Line: "he was my man, but he done me wrong" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music FREAKISH MAN BLUES, by GEORGE HANNAH Poem Source First Line: Call me a freakish man : what more was there to do Last Line: I'll wake up in the mornings : that feeling will be here to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FREDERICK DOUGLASS, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When it is finally ours, this freedom, this liberty, this beautiful Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty FREDERICK DOUGLASS, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When it is finally ours, this freedom, this liberty, this beautiful Last Line: Fleshing his dream of the beautiful, needful thing Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); Freedom FREDERICK DOUGLASS: 1817-1895, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Douglass was someone who Last Line: He died in 1895. %he is not dead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); United States FREE AT LAST, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "free at last, free at last; / I thank god I'm free at last" Last Line: O free at last Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;freedom;slavery; Negro Spirituals;liberty;serfs FREE MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You can catch the wind Last Line: Keep me caged up here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FREE WOMAN BLUES, by JELLY ROLL ANDERSON Poem Source First Line: Six bits ain't no dollar: six months ain't no long time Last Line: I'm going to wake up one morning: and have all my glad rags gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FREEDOM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Freedom will not come Last Line: I live here, too. %I want freedom %just as you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FREEDOM (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some folks think %by burning books Last Line: You'll never kill me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FREEDOM (3), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some folks think %by burning churches Last Line: And says, %no -- %not so! %no! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FREEDOM AT MCNEALY'S, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All around old chattanooga Last Line: As you would a faithful horse. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty FREEDOM SEEKER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see a woman with wings Last Line: She is caught and held by her wings Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FREEDOM SONG FOR THE BLACK WOMAN, by CAROLE CLEMMONS GREGORY Poem Source First Line: For the woman %african in ancestry Last Line: We are the strong women Subject(s): African Americans - Women FREEDOM TRAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I read in the papers about the / freedom train Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Railroads; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Railways; Trains FREEDOM TRAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I read in the papers about the %freedom train Last Line: Thank god-a-mighty! Here's the %freedom train! %get on board our freedom train! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Railroads FREEDOM'S PLOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When a man starts out with nothing Last Line: Untill all races and all people know its shade %keep your hand on the plow! %hold on ! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FREEMAN FIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a cool evening Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Relatives FREEMAN FIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a cool evening Last Line: To smoke, watching %the german pow's pump gas, %wash windshields %and laugh %at the motorpool %acros Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life FREEZE TO ME MAMA, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Said come along mama : give me a hug Last Line: She said daddy : I would like to ride Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FREIGHT TRAIN BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I hate to hear : that engine blow boo hoo Last Line: When a man gets the blues : he catches a freight train and rides Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FREIGHT TRAIN BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: I hate to hear : that freight train blow boo hoo Last Line: But the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FREIGHT TRAIN BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: I hate to hear : that engine blow boo hoo Last Line: But when a man gets the : he catches a freight train and rides Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRIAR'S POINT BLUES, by ROBERT LEE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Babe I know that you love me : you won't treat me right Last Line: All you want to do : is fuss and fight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRIDAY WAITING FOR MOM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I am seven Last Line: Says so too Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives FRIDAY WAITING FOR MOM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I am seven Last Line: Mama and %everett anderson- %friends Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life FRIED PIE BLUES, by CURLEY WEAVER Poem Source First Line: I ain't going down baby : that long road by myself Last Line: Papa weaver got something : find that mojo with Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRIENDLESS AND BLUE, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Don't the world seem lonely : when you got to battle it all by yourself Last Line: The blues skies was my blanket : and the moonlight was my spread Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRIENDLY IN A FRIENDLY WAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I nodded at the sun Last Line: In a friendly way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FRIGHTENED AWAY FROM A CHICKEN-ROOST, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went down to de hen house on my knees Last Line: Den perhaps I mought eat dat ole gray hen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FRISCO BLUES, by BILLIKEN JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I told the ticket agent : don't let your window down Last Line: That would leave big fat billiken : *walking along out there* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRISCO BOUND BLUES, by JAMES BOODLE IT WIGGINS Poem Source First Line: That frisco train : runs a mile a minute Last Line: Been together so long : now got to get apart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRISCO TOWN, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: That old frisco train : left a mile a minute Last Line: We been together so far : we got to get ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRISCO WHISTLE BLUES, by ED BELL Poem Source First Line: Well I saw the frisco : when she left the yard Last Line: I was on the corner : police had me barred Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FROG IN A MILL (NURSERY RHYME) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Once dere wus er frog dat lived in er mill Last Line: Wid er raker don la bottom o' la kimebo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FROG WENT A-COURTING (NURSERY RHYME) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De frog went a-co'tin', he did ride Last Line: Den you mought take my head 'long, too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FROGS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Frogs, frogs, where are you going? Last Line: They will turn us all into lizards Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FROM FATHER TO SON, by OPAL PALMER ADISA Poem Source First Line: It's no surprise Last Line: Just like your grandfather Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers And Sons FROM FOUR UNTIL LATE, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: From four until late : I was wringing my hands and crying Last Line: And when I return again : you'll have a great long story to tell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FROM MONTAGE OF A DREAM DEFERRED: CASUALTY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He was a soldier in the army Last Line: Days are done. %son!. . .Son! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Casualt Subject(s): African Americans; Soldiers FROM NOW ON, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: Oh you used to told me : you could drive me like a cow Last Line: From now on mama : I said I'm going to let you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Natural order is being restored Last Line: Exploding like the seeds of a natural disorder Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights; Feminism FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Natural order is being restored Last Line: Exploding like the seeds of a ntaural disorder Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights FROM SELMA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In places like Last Line: Chicago and new york Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FROM SLAVERY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Chile: I come from out'n slavery Last Line: Natchully widdered up an' died Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FROM SPAIN TO ALABAMA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where have the people gone Last Line: They still sing %their blues Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FROM THE DARK TOWER, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We shall not always plant while others reap Last Line: And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FRONT DOOR BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says I knocked on my front door mama: my good gal wouldn't seem to let me in Last Line: Says I'm tired: of being worried with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FRONTLINE, by A. WANJIKU REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: Listen for the heat Last Line: You'll find him there Subject(s): African Americans FROST TEXAS TORNADO BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: I was sitting looking: way out across the world Last Line: Does it seem like hell was broke out: in this place below Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Tornadoes FROSTING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Freedom %is just frosting Last Line: Learn how to %bake Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FULFILLMENT, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To climb a hill that hungers for the sky Last Line: And to die bleeding -- consummate with life. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks FULFILMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The earth-meaning Last Line: And sleep %took us both in %laughing Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FULL POCKETBOOK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De goose at de barn, he feel mighty funny Last Line: Till dey all fall over a sorter dead line Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs FUNERAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Carried lonely up the aisle Last Line: But I would give a damn Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans FUNK, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of funk Last Line: Under a groove %nothing can stop us now Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music FUNKY FOOTBALL, by RUBY C. SAUNDERS Poem Source First Line: The 'kat' can play ball, man Last Line: They can't win Subject(s): African Americans - Women FURNITURE MAN, by LIL MCCLINTOCK Poem Source First Line: Well a-this piano : and everything Last Line: Mr cooper had it written down : under my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FURRY'S BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I believe I'll buy me : a graveyard of my own Last Line: Wouldn't rest contented : till I come to tennessee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) FURY; FOR MAMA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Remember this Last Line: For this woman's sake. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Obedience; Women - Abused; Black Heritage; Wife Beating FUTURE BLUES, by WILLIE BROWN Poem Source First Line: Can't tell my future : and I can't tell my past Last Line: Lord bless that woman : that put that thing on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GABRIEL'S TRUMPET, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Baptist, baptist, is my name, I hope to live an' die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GAL'S CRY FOR A DYING LOVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heard de owl a hootin' Last Line: Please don't take this man o' mine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GAMBLER'S DREAM, by HOCIEL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I've traveled traveled : and I've seen Last Line: Don't you let no gamblers : be the ruin of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GAME CONTESTANT'S SONG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: We're going to dig Last Line: Sa your de vrai Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GANGSTERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The gangsters of the world Last Line: But not small fry Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GARAGE FIRE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: My house on fire : where's that fire wagon now Last Line: I got a cadillac eight : take me anywhere I want to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GARBAGE MAN, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Stick out your can : her comes the garbage man Last Line: Ain't nobody : stick it out like you can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GARDEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Strange %distorted blades of grass Last Line: Distorted tulips %on their knees Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GARDEN OF JOY--BLUES, by ELIZABETH WASHINGTON Poem Source First Line: Well take me down : and have a time Last Line: All I want : is [a bottle of, some more] Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GARMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The clouds weave a shawl Last Line: When the weather's bad Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GAS MAN BLUES, by JOHN BIRD Poem Source First Line: Oh yes pretty mama : have no money to pay Last Line: I can't help it pretty mama : the gasman don't take no chance Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GAS MAN BLUES, by MAE GLOVER Poem Source First Line: Mr gasman : please don't turn off my gas today Last Line: Mr gasman : you got that old hot bankroll right over there in your pants Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GASOLINE BLUES, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: You can always tell baby : when your woman going to treat you mean Last Line: They'll cook *make one* for their husband : they'll chicken for their man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GATHERING, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through tall grass heavy / from rain, my aunt and I wade Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping GATHERING, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through tall grass heavy %from rain, my aunt and I wade Last Line: Handpicked days in memory, %our minds' dark pantry Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping GAUGE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hemp... %a stick Last Line: A roach... %straw Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We knew how to order. Just the dash Last Line: To holler down the lions in this air Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We knew how to order. Just the dash Last Line: To holler down the lions in this air Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: 'GOD WORKS IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY', by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: But often now the youthful eye cuts down its Last Line: Or we assume a sovereignty ourselves Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: FIRSTLY INCLINED TO TAKE WHAT IT IS TOLD, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thee sacrosanct, - thee sweet, thee crystalline Last Line: With billowing heartiness no whit withheld Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: LOOKING, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You have no word for soldiers to enjoy Last Line: Nor the heaviest haul your little boy from harm Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: LOVE NOTE: 1. SURELY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Surely you stay my certain own, you say Last Line: And I doubt all. You. Or a violet Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: LOVE NOTE: 2. FLAGS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Still, it is dear defiance now to carry Last Line: Or like the tender struggle of a fan Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: MENTORS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For I am rightful fellow of their band Last Line: Light for the midnight that is mine and theirs Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: PIANO AFTER WAR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On a snug evening I shall watch her fingers Variant Title(s): Piano After War Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Musical Instruments; Pianos GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: PIANO AFTER WAR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On a snug evening I shall watch her fingers Last Line: And stone will shove the softness from my face Variant Title(s): Piano After Wa Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Musical Instruments; Pianos GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: STILL DO I KEEP MY LOOK, MY IDENTITY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Each body has its art, its precious prescribed Last Line: It showed at baseball. What it showed in school Variant Title(s): Still Do I Keep My Look, My Identit Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: THE PROGRESS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And still we wear our uniforms, follow Last Line: Of iron feet again. And again wild Variant Title(s): Gay Chaps At The Bar; The Progres Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: THE WHITE TROOPS HAD THEIR ORDERS ..., by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had supposed their formula was fixed Subject(s): African Americans - Military GAY CHAPS AT THE BAR: THE WHITE TROOPS HAD THEIR ORDERS ..., by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had supposed their formula was fixed Last Line: And there was nothing startling in the weather Subject(s): African Americans - Military GEE, BUT IT'S HARD, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Take me back sweet mama : try me one more time Last Line: Thinking if you die : would that end it all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GEE-UP DAR, MULES, by EDWIN FORD PIPER Poem Text First Line: He stood up in our khaki with the poise Last Line: "gwan-n, mules! Gee-up dar, mules!" Subject(s): African Americans; Heroism; Negroes; American Blacks; Heroes; Heroines GENERATION GAP, by RUBY C. SAUNDERS Poem Source First Line: I takes up for my colored man Last Line: Bent low to pay your dues Subject(s): African Americans - Women GEORGE JACKSON, by JILL WITHERSPOON BOYER Poem Source First Line: The newsboy hands us %his death Last Line: And yield to the forgetfulness of him %with already drying tears Subject(s): African Americans GEORGIA BLUES, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: A certain party : that I know Last Line: Even bought me : a great big diamond ring Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GEORGIA BOUND, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Packing my duffle : going to leave this town Last Line: I'll be glad : to get bac to that georgia gal of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GEORGIA CRAWL, by HENRY WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Run here papa : look at sis Last Line: Do the georgia crawl : till she died away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GEORGIA DUSK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes there's a wind in the georgia dusk Last Line: To sprout its bitter barriers %where the sunsets bleed Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Georgia (state) GEORGIA RAG, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Down on atlanta : on harris street Last Line: Singing : these doggone atlanta blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GEORGIA SKIN, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: The reason I like the game : the game they call georgia skin Last Line: Because the womens can play : well so as the men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GERARDA, by ELOISE BIBB THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: The day is o'er and twilight's shade Last Line: For all my life, I'll share with thee Subject(s): African Americans - Women GERMAN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I believe I'll go back to germany : and pay a deposit gold Last Line: Nobody been here : since your daddy left you home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GESTURE OF A WOMAN-IN-PROCESS, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the foreground, two women / their squinting faces Variant Title(s): Gesture Of A Woman In Process Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping GESTURE OF A WOMAN-IN-PROCESS, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the foreground, two women %their squinting faces Last Line: The white blur of her apron %still in motion Variant Title(s): Gesture Of A Woman In Proces Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping GET AWAY BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I walked down to the station : fold my troubled arms Last Line: You did something to me : I ain't going to tell nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GET DOWN BROTHER, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Now listen here brother : you may can understand Last Line: And when my wife asked you to do her a favor : you pretend you were asleep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GET IT FIXED, by KATHERINE HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: Papa papa : let me tell to you Last Line: If you ain't got nothing : please tell me so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GET IT, BRING IT, AND PUT IT RIGHT HERE, SELS, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I've had a man for fifteen years Last Line: Or else he's gonna keep it out there Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights GET UP OFF THAT OLD JIVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: White folks %you better get some new jive Last Line: A man can fight %better that way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GET YOUR HEAD TRIMMED DOWN, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: The wind begin to blow : and my baby gegin to knock on my door Last Line: Well now you keep on running around baby : you going to get your head trimmed down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GETHSEMANE, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All that night I walked alone and wept Last Line: I said your name but silence answered me Subject(s): African Americans; Gethsemane; Negroes; American Blacks GETHSEMANE, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All that night I walked alone and wept Last Line: I said your name but silence answered me Subject(s): African Americans; Gethsemane GETTIN' ALL WET, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Woke up my baby : come my love Last Line: Papa's in the rain : getting all wet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GETTIN' DIRTY JUST SHAKIN' THAT THING, by ROMEO NELSON Poem Source First Line: Now sister fooled brother man : and brother *moved down* Last Line: Shake your shoulder ; shake your wig Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GETTIN' OLD, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: One day I figured I'd get old Last Line: T. Fanny said, 'see?' Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama GETTIN' READY FOR TRIAL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Down in alabama : we will have a trial Last Line: If you start to fooling : I'll shoot with my gun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GETTING TEN NEGRO BOYS TOGETHER (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One liddle nigger boy whistle an' stew Last Line: Call anudder nigger 'piece an' dat make ten Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GHANDHI IS FASTING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mighty britain, tremble Last Line: As he fasts today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GHOST HOUSES, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Already tearing down some of the old houses Last Line: No more shorter Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama GHOSTS OF 1619, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ghosts of all too solid flesh Last Line: Being ghosts %of then Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GIFT, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Outside a flower shop, jewel waits Last Line: And sighs with each long look Subject(s): African Americans; Gifts And Giving; Love GIFT FROM KENYA, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: I've come back many times today Last Line: However wound in death Subject(s): African Americans - Women GIMME A PIGFOOT, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Up in harlem : every saturday night Last Line: Do the shim-sham-shimmy : till the rising sun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GIN HOUSE BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm going to the gin house : when the whistle blows Last Line: I want him to drive them off : so they won't come back no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GINE DONE DONE IT, by KID WESLEY WILSON Poem Source First Line: Going to take my gal : to a social dance Last Line: Get some money : if she have to sell a little coal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She lived in sinful happiness Last Line: To laugh in sunshine %and dance in rain Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans - Women GIRL I LOVE, SHE GOT LONG CURLY HAIR, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I'm going to brownsville : take that right-hand road Last Line: Go in your kitchen : lord and cook until she come home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GIVE AND TAKE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I come here once a month to dig Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping GIVE AND TAKE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I come here once a month to dig Last Line: Waist of your panties, even %the corners of your mouth Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping GIVE US OUR PEACE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Give us a peace equal to the war Last Line: And bring about a world of brotherhood Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GIVE US THE SIGN!, by WILLIAM EDWARD BURGHARDT DU BOIS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: From lust of body and lust of blood Last Line: Keep not thou silence, o god! Alternate Author Name(s): Du Bois, W. E. B. Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest GIVE YOUR MAMA ONE SMILE, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: I love you baby : ain't gonna tell you no lie Last Line: And love your mama baby : love your mama right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GIVING IT AWAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Say I woke up this morning : about the break of day Last Line: I ain't seen my woman : since she leave this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GLORY TRUMPETER, by DEREK WALCOTT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old eddie's face, wrinkled with river lights Last Line: For my own uncle in america, %that living there I never could look up Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians GLORY, GLORY ..., by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: Across grandmother's knees Last Line: Laid a yellow quilt Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans GO AWAY WOMAN, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Last night : and the night before Last Line: You always got me : feeling so blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GO AWAY!, by LINDA MICHELLE BARON Poem Source First Line: Somehow I'm always %in the way Last Line: Is it them? %or is it me? Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life GO DOWN, OLD HANNAH, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Go down, old hannah Last Line: For the life-time man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music GO SLOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Go slow, they say Last Line: Go slow? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GO TO BED (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De wood's in de kitchen Last Line: Had better go to bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GO TO SLEEP, I DO LOVE MY LAMB (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Yes, I do love my lamb, yes I do love my lamb Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GO TO SLEEP, LITTLE BABY (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hush-a-bye and don't you cry Last Line: A coach and six ponies Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOD DAWG MY LOUSY SOUL, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOD IS KIND, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women GOD TO HUNGRY CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hungry child, %I didn't make this world for you Last Line: Not for you, %hungry child Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Poverty; Social Protest GOD WORKS IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY', by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: But often now the youthful eye cuts down its Last Line: Or we assume a sovereignty ourselves Subject(s): African Americans - Military GOD'S BRANDED CHILD, by HERMAN J. D. CARTER Poem Text First Line: Singed / by god Last Line: Since I am black? Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks GOIN' AWAY BLUES, by LOTTIE BEAMAN Poem Source First Line: I'm going away : it won't be long Last Line: I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOIN' AWAY BLUES, by CHARLIE CAMPBELL Poem Source First Line: One of these mornings : it won't be long Last Line: I wake up in the morning : I can't tell her shoes from mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOIN' BACK, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He stood beside the station rail Last Line: "it's joy, he's goin' back to-day." Subject(s): African Americans; Homecoming; Negroes; American Blacks GOIN' BACK TO MY BABY, by TEXAS BILL DAY Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning moaning : with the worried blues on my mind Last Line: When you think you got a good girl : lord she done turn off and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOIN' BACK TO TEXAS, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Oh mercy dear : you caused my heart Last Line: *glory be* : I see that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOIN' BACK TO TEXAS, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: When I lived in texas : doing very well Last Line: ??? : I'm *stopping* to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOIN' TO CHICAGO BLUES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Going to chicago, sorry that I can't take you Last Line: Tell 'em little jimmy rushing, he's been here and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOIN' TO LEAVE YOU BLUES, by BIG BOY CLEVELAND Poem Source First Line: The train I ride : burn no coal at all Last Line: Train's down here : track's all out of line Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOING BACK HOME, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Lord wonder : will I ever get back home Last Line: But you will never forget the day : I knocked upon your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOING BACK TO MEMPHIS, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm leaving here mama : don't you want to go Last Line: Because I've got what they call : *the new living here* blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOING DOWN SLOW, by JIMMY ODEN Poem Source First Line: I have had my fun : if I don't get well no more Last Line: Just say your son is gone : I'm out in this world somewhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOING HOME, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Everyday you were dying Last Line: Be, flying straight right out of here Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Courage; Survival GOING TO BE GOOD SLAVES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole mosser an' missus has gone down to town Last Line: An' I'se gwinter wear stockin's jes lak de white folks Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOING TO GERMANY, by NOAH LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to germa : I'll be back some old day Last Line: Now I'm in trouble : you don't pay me no mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOING TO MOVE TO ALABAMA, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Aah : she's long and tall Last Line: Didn't have no other brown : didn't have no man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOLD DUST FIRE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOLDEN CITY, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: The golden city an' the golden crown, pig iron johnson Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GONE BOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Playboy of the dawn Last Line: Dog-gone! %he ain't gone Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GONE DADDY BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I'm going away : I'm going to stay Last Line: I long for my daddy : somewhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GONE DEAD TRAIN, by KING SOLOMON HILL Poem Source First Line: Lord I'm going way down ; lord I'm going to try to leave here today Last Line: Because I'm a traveling man : boys I can't stay here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GONNA HIT THE HIGHWAY, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I'm going to hit this old highway : catch the fastest thing I see Last Line: Now I may not find her in the next twenty years : ooo lord but I'll be forever trying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GONNA PUT YOU RIGHT IN JAIL, by LAURA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Since you gone : and got so rough Last Line: I won't stand : for that caveman stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GONNA TIP OUT TONIGHT, by SIMMIE DOOLEY Poem Source First Line: I says go on girl : don't sing them blues to me Last Line: I'm going to tip out tonight : and I'm going to strut my stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD BLUFFERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pity all the frightened ones Last Line: The ones who make the grade Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GOOD BOY BLUES, by ARTHUR PETTIES Poem Source First Line: When you's a good fellow : they'll always leave you alone Last Line: I was wandering and walking : to see my baby's face Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD CHIB BLUES, by EDITH NORTH JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Ooh : tomorrow I may be far away Last Line: I'm five feet two : lord and that sweet man's five foot three Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD COFFEE BLUES, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: I heard you say this morning mama : that your head was throbbing through and th Last Line: I swear I'll give them good coffee : and won't give them no rotten tea Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD FEELING BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: You got a little woman : she won't treat you right Last Line: Wake up mama : loving is just began Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD GAL, by CHARLIE SPAND Poem Source First Line: You wonder why : I treat you so Last Line: I got a new gal : she's tight like that Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD GIN BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Good morning friends : I want [me] a drink of gin Last Line: Because I don't care nothing : about oh them revenue men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD LIQUOR GONNA CARRY ME DOWN, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Now I know a little girl : about sixteen years old Last Line: Said if you don't big bill : some other man will carry your business on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD LOOKING GIRL BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: Don't you wish : your good girl was long and tall like mine Last Line: I be so glad : I sure can't help but shout Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD LOOKING PAPA BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Oh good-looking papa : where have you been so long Last Line: But there is nothing doing : what you are thinking about Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morning, daddy! / I was born here, he said Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): From Montage Of A Dream Deferred: Good Morning Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks GOOD MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morning, daddy! %I was born here, he said Last Line: What happens %to a dream deferred? %daddy, ain't you heard? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): From Montage Of A Dream Deferred: Good Mornin Subject(s): African Americans GOOD MORNING REVOLUTION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good-morning, revolution: %you're the very best friend Last Line: Let's go, revolution Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GOOD MORNING, BLUES, by JIMMY RUSHING Poem Source Last Line: Good morning, how are you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, by CARL MARTIN Poem Source First Line: They arrested my baby : accused her of selling moon Last Line: And let my baby : go back home with me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD MORNING, STALINGRAD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Goodmorning, stalingrad! %logs of folks who don't like you Last Line: You ain't dead! %goodmorning, stalingrad Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GOOD NIGHT, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The lark is silent in his nest Last Line: Good-night, my love, good-night, good-night. Subject(s): African Americans; Night; Negroes; American Blacks; Bedtime GOOD NIGHT, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Goodnight mommy %goodnight dad Last Line: But my night of sleep's in bloom Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life GOOD TIME BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : I had the blues three different ways Last Line: Because I got a letter this morning : my baby was coming back home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD TIME FLAT BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Can't sell no whiskey : I can't sell no gin Last Line: No use in grieving : I'm going to leave this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My daddy has paid the rent Subject(s): Family Life; African Americans; Family Life; United States; Relatives; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My daddy has paid the rent Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My daddy has paid the rent Last Line: Oh children think about the %good times Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; United States GOOD WOMAN BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Women if you got a good man : give him three good meals every day Last Line: She's my buddy : and I swear she is my pal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD WOMAN BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: What makes me love you baby : she loved me when I was down Last Line: Well now I don't care : ooo well if I never see a woman on the street Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOD-BY, RING (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a liddle dog, his name wus ring Last Line: Good-by, ring! I'se done wid you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOOD-BY, WIFE! (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a liddle wife Last Line: She walk out on de groun' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOODBYE CHRIST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen, christ %you did alright in your day, I reckon -- Last Line: To a king, or a general, %or a millionaire Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Communism; Racism; Religion GOODBYE MAMA MOAN, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: For years and years : I been your hard-working mule Last Line: Don't come back : but treat me like you did before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOODBYE RED, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Well goodbye red : now ain't going to cry Last Line: Now because didn't have nobody : to raise no sand nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOOSEBERRY WINE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Now 'umble uncle steben Last Line: Call uncle steben back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOOSIE-GANDER PLAY RHYME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander Last Line: I'll pull yo' years way yander Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOSPEL CHA-CHA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the quarter of the negroes %where the palms and coconuts Last Line: Cha-cha...Cha-cha %cha... Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GOT A GANG OF BROWNSKIN SWEET WOMEN : GOT A GANG OF HIGH YEL, by PAPA HARVEY HULL Poem Source First Line: Lows too Last Line: And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOT A HOME IN THAT ROCK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I've got a home in a-that rock Last Line: Better get a home in that rock, %don't you see? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GOT A LETTER FROM MY DARLIN', by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: I got a letter from my darling : said hurry home Last Line: *easy kind of* walk : *reel and* rock behind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOT THE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I walked from dallas : I walked to wichita falls Last Line: Went in to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOT THE BLUES CAN'T BE SATISFIED, by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: Got the blues : can't be satisfied Last Line: You got the blues : and still ain't satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOT TO REAP WHAT YOU SOW, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : lord and my baby was gone Last Line: Because the good book says : you going to reap just what you sow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOT YOUR WATER ON, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: I met my gal this morning : long long way from home Last Line: I got a-this old elgin movement : make the springs tremble all on your bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOTTA SHAVE 'EM DRY, by JAMES BOODLE IT WIGGINS Poem Source First Line: Now if you be my sweet woman : tell you what I'm bound to do Last Line: If I keep on worrying about you baby : you know I can't last long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOVERNMENT MONEY, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now on the farm : they all have joined the government loan Last Line: You know long through the winter : you can have something to eat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GOVERNOR FIRES DEAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see by the papers %where governor talmadge get real mad Last Line: Of acting just like hitler %in the u.S.A Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GRADUATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cinnamon and rayon / jet and coconut eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks GRADUATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cinnamon and rayon %jet and coconut eyes Last Line: Then because she's tired, %she sighs Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GRAND DADDY BLUES, by JAYDEE SHORT Poem Source First Line: Now please mr grandaddy : don't crawl up and down my wall Last Line: The reason I feel that way mama : I ain't got nobody to feel my care Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRANDFATHER, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In 1915 my grandfather's / neighbors surrounded his house Subject(s): African Americans; Grandparents; Negroes; American Blacks; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers GRANDFATHER, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In 1915 my grandfather's %neighbors surrounded his house Last Line: Played backwards on his grandson's eyes Subject(s): African Americans; Grandparents GRANDFATHER POEM, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source Last Line: It can not %contain words like: %ubangi %rolling pin %popsicle, %but words like: %supreme court %gra Subject(s): African Americans; Grandparents GRANDMA'S FARM, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Got up this morning : with the same thing on my mind Last Line: And I got so many women : till the men don't want me around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRANDMAMA, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My grandmama says there's no place like shorter Last Line: She just looks at the old packard and remembers Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama GRANDPA AND GRANDMA BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Grandma got something : make grandpa break his pipe Last Line: Because he broke his pipe : he had forth years ago Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRANDPA'S STORIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The pictures on the television Last Line: And a penny for a pickle Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GRANDSON IS A HOTICEBERG, by MARGARET DANNER Poem Source First Line: A grandson is %not %the wing-sprouting cherub Last Line: Mother, %dynamite Subject(s): African Americans - Children GRANT PARK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The haunting face of poverty Last Line: Sleepers on iron benches %behind the library in grant park Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GRAPES: STILL LIFE, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Snugly you rest, sweet globes Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women GRASS FINGERS, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Touch me, touch me Last Line: With your tiny, timorous toes. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Grass; Negroes; American Blacks GRASSHOPPER SENSE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere wus a liddle grasshopper Last Line: Be keerful, my sweet sugar lump Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GRASSHOPPER SITTING ON A SWEET POTATO VINE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Start to eat dat blackbird an' he git choke Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GRATITUDE DOWN SOUTH, by EDWINA WOOD WHITESIDE Poem Text First Line: I'se des a little cullud boy Last Line: "let yo' co'science be yo' guide." Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Southern States; South (u.s.) GRAVE YARD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here is that sleeping place Last Line: That never-get-up-no-more %place %is here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GRAVEL CAMP BLUES, by LEWIS BLACK Poem Source First Line: I'm going away tomorrow mama : going out on the cue Last Line: When I had you black gal : you didn't have nobody nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRAVEL ROAD WOMAN, by JAMES YANK RACHEL Poem Source First Line: I don't want no skinny mama : I wants a woman she got on plenty of meat Last Line: I'm going to try to find my woman : I know she's strolling babe on the road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRAVEYARD DREAM BLUES, by MATTIE HITE Poem Source First Line: Blues on my mind : blues all around my head Last Line: But when I woke up : I found it was only a dream Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRAVY SERVER, by BUDDY MOSS Poem Source First Line: I've got a woman : she's sweet as she can be Last Line: Said and everything she serves me : she serves it to me right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRAY AND BLACK HORSES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went down to de woods an' I couldn' go 'cross Last Line: Yes she trabble so hard dat she jolt off my ha'r Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GREAT OWL'S SONG (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo? %an' who'll cook for kelline Last Line: Rough shot de shoe-boot, an' de lawd he knows who all? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GREATER FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH, by CAROLE CLEMMONS GREGORY Poem Source First Line: Mothers %cranking the machine Last Line: Another scoop of ice cream %our smiles receive Subject(s): African Americans - Women GREEN COUNTRY GAL, by AMOS EASTON Poem Source First Line: Now I talked and I talked : now I ain't got no more to say Last Line: Some day I'll be running : with the biggest shots in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GREEN MEMORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A wonderful time - the war Last Line: But blood %was far away %from here -- %money was near Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; War - Home Front GREEN OAK TREE! ROCKY'O, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GREEN RIVER BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I went up green river : rolling like a log Last Line: I'm going away : to make it lonesome here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GREYHOUND BLUES, by BILL WILBER Poem Source First Line: Going to catch me a greyhound : going to leave here tonight Last Line: House full of children : ain't nar' one mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRIEF, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Eyes %that are frozen Last Line: No way of dying Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GRIEF STREAMS DOWN MY CHEST, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source Last Line: Mountain of their thorn as high as the asian continent is long Subject(s): African Americans GRIEF WILL KILL YOU, by LITTLE BUDDY DOYLE Poem Source First Line: Lord grief will kill you : it will get you down to skin and bones Last Line: Boys you better watch them women : because they're just slipping up the kingdom's steps Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRIEVIN' ME BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: I went down on the corner : with my money in my hand Last Line: Someone's in the basement : trying to find the hole Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRIN, YOU MONKEY, YOU!, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Grin, you monkey, you! Last Line: Grin, you monkey, you! Subject(s): African Americans GRINDER MAN BLUES, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: My name is memphis slim : they call me the grinder man Last Line: Because I'm a very busy fellow : you know they call me the grinder man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GRINDING VIBRATO, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Blues woman Last Line: Is it too late for the mother tongue in your womanself to %insurrect Subject(s): African Americans - Women GROCERIES ON THE SHELF, by CHARLIE SPECKS MCFADDEN Poem Source First Line: My name is piggly wiggly : I've got groceries on my shelf Last Line: Going to miss your daddy : cuddling by your cozy side Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GROCERY STORE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jimmy, go Last Line: Stay an hour Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GROOVIN' HIGH, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Legendary Last Line: Parker. Who were you? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) GROUND HOG BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I'm just a walking ground hog : mama and I walks around in my den Last Line: Now if you don't pet me baby : I believe I'll go back down to new orleans Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GUARDIANSHIP, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That dusky child upon your knee Last Line: That wields the locks of destiny! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Children GUINEA GALL (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Way down yon'er in guinea gall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GUITAR, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma six string guitar with the lonesome sound Last Line: Can't hold its own against that georgia hound Subject(s): African Americans GUITAR RAG, by FRANK BRASSWELL Poem Source First Line: I long to hear that : old guitar rag Last Line: Take me back : to my home in tennessee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GULF COAST BLUES, by CLARENCE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: I've been blue all day, my gal's gone away Last Line: Flow over me someday Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) GULLAH NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by VIRGINIA MIXSON GERATY Poem Source First Line: E bin de night befo' chris'mus en' eenside we house Last Line: Stillyet dey say uh pray fuh po' ole buh fox Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Gullahs; Santa Claus; Sea Islands Creole Dialect GUM TREE CANOE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: On the tombigbee river so bright, I was born Last Line: Like a feather I float in my gum tree canoe Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs GYPSIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gypsies are picture-book people Last Line: They've had suns about their heads Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GYPSY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to de gypsy's Last Line: If my man leaves me %I won't live no mo' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans GYPSY MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma man's a gypsy / cause he never does come home Last Line: Sho can't find no ease. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Nature Of; Negroes; American Blacks GYPSY MELODIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Songs that break Last Line: Rockets of joy %dimmed too soon Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HA-HA BLUES, by ROSIE MAE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Go on old man : don't sing those blues to me Last Line: I'm sick and tired : of your dirty ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAIKU, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was it yesterday Last Line: Made it blossom black? Subject(s): African Americans; Love HALF CUP OF TEA, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Hey : what do you want your man to do Last Line: Every time I stay with you : *carried* from door to door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HALF WAY DOINGS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My dear brudders an' sisters Last Line: At de liddle end of de horn Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HALF WAY DOINGS, SELS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Belubbed fellah-trabelers: in holdin' forth to-day Last Line: De grass keeps on a-growin' fur to smudder up his crap Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HALLELUJAH JOE AIN'T PREACHIN' NO MORE, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Everybody thought : he was through Last Line: Then he wrote another blues : about move your hand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAM BEATS ALL MEAT (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dem white folks set up in a dinin' room Last Line: An' still it's good sweet ham Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HAM BONE BLUES, by ED BELL Poem Source First Line: Jellyroll jellyroll : jellyroll is so hard to find Last Line: She got the same jellyroll : she had forty years ago Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAM HOUND CRAVE, by RUBIN LACY Poem Source First Line: You can read my letter : now you sure don't know my mind Last Line: And I rock you easier : you straight chair ever done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAMBONE WILLIE'S DREAMY-EYED WOMAN'S BLUES, by HAMBONE WILLIE NEWBERN Poem Source First Line: I've got a dreamy-eyed woman : lives down on cherry street Last Line: Want me to cut my throat : baby trying to get along with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAMMER BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Going to buy me a hammock : carry it underneath Last Line: I think I heard : the bob lee boat when she moaned Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAMMER THAT KILLED JOHN HENRY (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: This is the hammer Last Line: Tell him I've gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HANGMAN'S BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Hangman's rope : it's so tough and strong Last Line: And that trifling woman staying : until I breaks my neck Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAPPY BLUES, by TOM DICKSON Poem Source First Line: Just as happy : woman as I can be Last Line: Well my train ain't here : but it's somewhere on the go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAPPY NEW YEAR BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm thinking about the year : of nineteen and twenty-nine Last Line: Because when I take two or three drinks : I'll be drunk the whole year long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD DADDY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to ma daddy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers & Daughters; Negroes; American Blacks HARD DADDY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to ma daddy Last Line: Fly like the eagle flies %I'd fly on ma man an' %I'd scratch out both his eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers And Daughters HARD DALLAS BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Go out to santa fe : my baby go down Last Line: When you look for your friend : they will all be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD HEARTED MAMA BLUES, by KID COLE Poem Source First Line: Oh now it's loving : really really wor-worrying me Last Line: Said take your bible pretty mama : and read the days your daddy's gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD HEARTED PAPA, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I'm a hard-hearted papa : there's nothing pleases me Last Line: And I think they will stay changed : for the rest of my days Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD LUCK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When hard luck overtakes you Last Line: I'm so low-down I %ain't even got a stall Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HARD LUCK BLUES, by HELEN GROSS Poem Source First Line: My man done quit me : he done throwed me down Last Line: Dream about your man : and all your ??? *is gone* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD LUCK BLUES, by CHARLEY LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: Two kind of people in this world mama : babe that I sure can't stand Last Line: Says my brother stole a *ham sand* : the police has locked up me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD LUCK MAN BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: My babe my babe : she don't do no way to comfort me Last Line: If I didn't have good friends : I don't know what would become of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD ROAD BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Keep on walking and walking : talking to myself Last Line: Going to walk this hard hard road : until my mustache drags the ground Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD ROAD BLUES, by BUDDY MOSS Poem Source First Line: Walking down the hard road : done wore the soles off of my shoes Last Line: Walking these hard roads : going to drive me insane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD ROCK RETURNS TO PRISON FROM THE HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINAL INSANE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Hard rock / was / 'known not to take no shit Subject(s): African Americans; Insanity; Korean War, 1950-1953; Prisons & Prisoners; Surgery; Negroes; American Blacks; Madness; Mental Illness; Convicts HARD ROCK RETURNS TO PRISON FROM THE HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINAL INSANE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hard rock / was / 'known not to take no shit Last Line: Had cut deep bloody grooves %across our backs Subject(s): African Americans; Insanity; Korean War, 1950-1953; Prisons And Prisoners; Surgery HARD SCUFFLIN' BLUES, by LITTLE BUDDY DOYLE Poem Source First Line: Scuffling have got so hard : seem like I can't even make a dime Last Line: But it seem like the *many ways draining* out of me : more and more every day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD TIME AIN'T GONE NO MORE, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: People is [raving, hollering] about hard times : tell me what it's all about Last Line: If some people was like me : they didn't have no money when times was good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD TIME BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: I'm going down to the river : just to see the water run Last Line: Now guess you know : what these hard time is all about Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD TIME KILLIN' FLOOR BLUES, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: Hard times here : everywhere you go Last Line: Hard times will drive you : from door to door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD TIMES IN SHELBYVILLE ROCK JAIL (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: And he call you by everything cept its your name, oh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HARD TO RULE WOMAN BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I've got a girl : I wish I could keep her home at night Last Line: That's why : I got them automobile blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARD-HEADED BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: A hard-headed woman : just like a bulldog without a chain Last Line: When you got a hard-headed woman : you bound to have the blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HARLEM, by WILLIAM ROSE BENET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to sing harlem on an ebony flute Last Line: "rest, and dream, my dark delight!" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Harlem (new York City); Music & Musicians HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What happens to a dream deferred Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Dream Deferred;lenox Avenue Mural;harlem: 2;from Montage Of A Dream Deferred: Harlem (2) Subject(s): African Americans; Dreams; Gays & Lesbians; Men; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Nightmares; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What happens to a dream deferred Last Line: Or does it explode? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Dream Deferred; Lenox Avenue Mural; Harlem: 2; From Montage Of A Dream Deferred: Harlem (2 Subject(s): African Americans; Dreams; Homosexuality; Men; Racism HARLEM, by WALTER DEAN MYERS Poem Source First Line: They took the road in waycross, georgia Last Line: And has not ended %harlem Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City) HARLEM DANCE HALL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It had no dignity before Last Line: That had no dignity before Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HARLEM GALLERY: BOOK 1, THE CURATOR: LAMBDA, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the mouth of the harlem gallery Last Line: If old satchmo had never been born!' Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Harlem (new York City); Jazz; Music And Musicians HARLEM GALLERY: BOOK 1, THE CURATOR: MU, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hideho heights / and I, like the brims of old hats Last Line: Of the indigo combo. Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Variant Title(s): The Harlem Gallery: Mu Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Harlem (new York City); Jazz; Music & Musicians HARLEM NIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harlem %knows a song Last Line: The stars %are where? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Night Clubs HARLEM NIGHT CLUB, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sleek black boys in a cabaret Last Line: Tomorrow ... Is darkness. %joy today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Night Clubs; Singing And Singers HARLEM NIGHT SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come, %let us roam the night together Last Line: Let us roam the night together %singing Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Night; Singing And Singers HARLEM SHADOWS, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hear the halting footsteps of a lass Last Line: In harlem wandering from street to street. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Harlem (new York City); Poverty; Prostitution; Harlots; Whores; Brothels HARLEM SWEETIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Have yhou dug the spill Last Line: Delicious, fine sugar hill Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Harlem (new York City) HARLEMITES TALKING ABOUT MOVIES, 1. STEVE MCQUEEN ..., by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Motherfucker leaped Last Line: Damn! Strong to be free Subject(s): African Americans; Mcqueen, Steve (1930-1980); Motion Pictures HARLEMITES TALKING ABOUT MOVIES, 2. BOGART IN THE AFRICAN..., by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Jumped and yelled, kissed her Last Line: (grease smeared the lady's white belt), %broke out what she felt Subject(s): African Americans; Bogart, Humphrey (1899-1957); Motion Pictures HARLEMITES TALKING ABOUT MOVIES, 3. GARBO IN NINOTCHKA, by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Saw it twice honey Last Line: Xcuse me now: that's funny! Subject(s): African Americans; Garbo, Greta (1905-1990); Motion Pictures HARLEMITES TALKING ABOUT MOVIES, 4. DENZEL WASHINGTON ..., by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: He stood the lashes Last Line: (soldiers need shoes): tears you saw-- %dig this - was the blues Subject(s): African Americans; Motion Pictures; Washington, Denzel HARLEMITES TALKING ABOUT MOVIES, 4. GARY COOPER ..., by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Aims his machine gun Last Line: Sweet-talks her far from it all. %then the bad cards fall Subject(s): African Americans; Cooper, Gary (1901-1961); Motion Pictures HARRIET, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harriet / if I be you Last Line: Love my children and / wait Subject(s): African Americans - Women HARRIET, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harriet %if I be you Last Line: Love my children and %wait Subject(s): African Americans - Women HARRIET, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harriet there was always somebody calling us crazy Last Line: "waht name shall we call our selves / now Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Sisters; Death – Mothers HARRIET, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harriet there was always somebody calling us crazy Last Line: What name shall we call our selves now %our mother is gone? Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women HARRIET TUBMAN, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dark is the face of harriet Last Line: Come along ten million strong Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Tubman, Harriet (1820-1913) HARRY'S AFRO HUT, by LUCY E. THORNTON-BERRY Poem Source First Line: Harry's afro hut in baltimo' Last Line: Fades tall and chests high %and the revolution continues! Subject(s): African Americans HARVEST SONG, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a reaper whose muscles set at sundown. All my oats are cradled Subject(s): African Americans; Harvest; Hunger; Negroes; American Blacks HARVEST SONG, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a reaper whose muscles set at sundown. All my oats are cradled Last Line: It will not bring me knowledge of my hunger Subject(s): African Americans; Harvest; Hunger HARVEST SONG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Las' year wus a good crap year %an' we raised beans an' de taters Last Line: I'se gwineter buy my gal red calico Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HATED BLACKBIRD AND CROW (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat blackbird say unto de crow Last Line: Caze de kittle mustn' talk about de pot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HAVANA DREAMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The dream is a cocktail at sloppy joe's Last Line: (quien sabe? Who really knows?) Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Havana, Cuba HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOWN, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: If you ever been down : you know just how I feel Last Line: I'm going to find another papa : then I can't use you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAVE YOU EVER FELT THAT WAY?, by KATHERINE HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: You're walking around : no one in sight Last Line: You're talking to yourself : lord but you don't know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HAVING HAD YOU, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Having had you once Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women HAWK AND BUZZARD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Once: de hawk an' de buzzard went to roost Last Line: Den he went home wid a smashed in face Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HAWK AND CHICKEN (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hen, an' chickens in a fodder stack Last Line: An. De jaybird died a-laughin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HAWK AND CHICKENS PLAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Chickamee, chickamee, cranie-crow Last Line: You shan't have a chick Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HE IS MY HORSE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One day as I wus a-ridin' by Last Line: An' if he lives, I'll ride 'im on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HE LIKES IT SLOW, by JOE EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: He likes it slow : when he goes to *play* Last Line: Just like a snail : that man of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HE LIKES IT SLOW, by JOE EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: Says I never like to hurry : I just take my time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HE LIKES IT SLOW, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Lord he likes it slow : when he goes to dance Last Line: He always got : the lowdown blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HE LIVES IN ME, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My father was a strong and stalwart man Last Line: With hallelujahs. Trumpets, cymbals, and drums Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers HE LOVES SUGAR AND TEA, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Mistah buster, he loves sugar an' tea Last Line: What goes wid sister mandy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HE NEVER SAID A MUMBLIN' WORD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: O they took my blessed lord Last Line: Not a word, not a word, not a word Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HE PAID ME SEVEN (PARODY), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Our fadder, which are in heaben' Last Line: An' if I hadn't tuck day, I wouldn't git none Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HE WILL GET MR. COON, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole mistah coon, at de break o' day Last Line: An' he'll git you sho' this day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: He's got the whole world in his hands Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music HE'S IN THE RING, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Hey all you peoples going out tonight : just going to see joe louis fight Last Line: Joe louis would take a chance with them : I would put you on your feet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HE'S MINE, ALL MINE, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: He works all day : with all his might Last Line: And he's up every morning : at half past four Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HEAD CUTTIN' BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: I believe to my soul : there's a black cat sleeping under my bed Last Line: Says I'm going to go far : take two dollars to send me a postal card Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HEAD OF LUIS CONGO BEGS A FAVOR, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I am the head of luis congo Last Line: Fair %water Subject(s): African Americans HEAD OF LUIS CONGO CALLS FOR HIS MEDICINE, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: O great god good god Last Line: My medicine from this evil day? Subject(s): African Americans HEAD OF LUIS CONGO CONFESSES HIS SIN, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Silence! All of you, silence Last Line: Most certainly true Subject(s): African Americans HEAD OF LUIS CONGO CRIES OUT FOR WATER, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Agua %agua %agua Last Line: The head of luis congo cries out for water Subject(s): African Americans HEAD OF LUIS CONGO HAS HIS LITTLY SAY, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Congo tiamca matinga Last Line: And I languish Subject(s): African Americans HEAD OF LUIS CONGO SPEAKS, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Congo, tiamca, colango, matinga Last Line: He is not yet through %with you Subject(s): African Americans HEAD OF LUIS CONGO WEEPS, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Olurun bon die mystere Last Line: Now that my head is mounted on high? Subject(s): African Americans HEAR-SAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hello! Br'er jack. How do you do? Last Line: Dey's been tryin' to say you's been a-stealin' chickens Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HEART, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pierrot %took his heart Last Line: Where his heart is %today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HEART BREAKIN' BLUES, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: Well, I'm going downtown baby : won't be gone so long Last Line: But when I first met you babe : you didn't have no hair at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HEART LIKE RAILROAD STEEL, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: My babe's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel Last Line: I didn't find me nobody : did not have a man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HEART OF HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The buildings in harlem are brick and stone Last Line: Folks, that's the heart of harlem Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HEAVEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heaven is %the place where Last Line: Stone answers back, %'well! And you?' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HEAVY SUITCASE BLUES, by CHARLEY TAYLOR Poem Source First Line: Lord I'm so *blurred so blurred* : can't hardly stand to play those blues mysel Last Line: My suitcase is too heavy : to walk down that dusty road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HEGIRA, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, black man, why do you northward roam, and leave all the farm lands bare? Last Line: Combat ajar! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks HELEN KELLER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She, / in the dark Last Line: Of inner power. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Keller, Helen (1880-1968); Negroes; American Blacks HELL HOUND ON MY TRAIL, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I've got to keep moving : blues falling down like hail Last Line: All I need my little sweet woman : and to keep my company Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HENDRIX, by MAKETA GROVES Poem Source First Line: Black %beautiful Last Line: Consumed everything %except the music Subject(s): African Americans; Hendrix, Jimi (1942-1970) HENRY'S WORRIED BLUES, by HENRY TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: My blues start in the morning : and they worries me the whole day long Last Line: But I got another woman : drive my troubles away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HER STORY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: They gave me the wrong name, in the first place Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks HER STORY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They gave me the wrong name, in the first place Last Line: Next time I'll try a gun Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women HERE COMES A YOUNG MAN COURTING (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: My lulu, come an' wa'k wid me. 'miss tidlum tidelum day' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HERE I STAND (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Here I stan', raggity an' dirty Last Line: I hain't had no kiss since I'se been born Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HERE WHERE COLTRANE IS, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Soul and race Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Coltrane, John (1926-1967); Jazz; Music & Musicians HERE WHERE COLTRANE IS, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Soul and race Last Line: In the eyes of my first son are the browns %of these men and their music Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Coltrane, John (1926-1967); Jazz; Music And Musicians HERITAGE, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to see the slim palm-trees Last Line: Hidden by a minstrel-smile. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks HERITAGE, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: It is a blessed heritage Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women HERITAGE, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What is africa to me Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History; Black Heritage HERITAGE, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What is africa to me Last Line: Lest the grave restore its dead. %not yet has my heart or head %in the least way realized %they and Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History HERMAN, by A. WANJIKU REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: Herman used to sing a gin song Last Line: To %sing Subject(s): African Americans HERO -- INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bood, %or a flag, %or a flame Last Line: They're all the same Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) HESITATION BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: She has the hesitating stockings : the hesitating shoes Last Line: Have a woman : take me anywhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HESITATION BLUES, by JIM JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Hello central : what's the matter with your line Last Line: If you want to hear any more : you'll have to buy this song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HESTER'S SONG, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I rode you piggy back Last Line: Ever to come of alchemy Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights; Feminism HESTER'S SONG, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I rode you piggy back Last Line: You are the one gold %ever to come of alchemy Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights HEY HEY DADDY BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Hey hey : your daddy's feeling blue Last Line: I told you what I said : don't you drive the blues away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HEY!, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sun's a settin' Last Line: Wonder what de blues'll bring Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HEY! HEY!, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sun's a risin' Last Line: I been blue all night long Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HEY-HEY BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I can hey on water Last Line: And I'll hey hey hey -- and cheer! %yee-ee-e-who-000-00 Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HIDING PLACE, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Yesterday found the old shack by line creek Last Line: To face the reality of shorter Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama HIGH FEVER BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: I'm taken down with the fever : and it won't let me sleep Last Line: Doctor said she do me more good in a day : than he would in all of his days Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIGH SHERIFF BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: When the trial was in belzoni : it ain't no use to screaming and cry Last Line: Mr purvis on his mansion : he don't pay no mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIGH TO LOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God knows / we have our troubles, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks HIGH TO LOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God knows %we have our troubles, too Last Line: And you %well, you can see, %we have our problems, %too, with you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HIGH WATER EVERYWHERE: 1, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: The backwater done rose all around sumner : drove [me, poor charley] down the l Last Line: I'm going back to the hilly country : won't be worried no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Floods HIGH WATER EVERYWHERE: 2, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: The water was rising : up in my friend's door Last Line: I thought I would take a trip lord : out on the big *ice slab* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Floods HIGHEST WIND THAT EVER BLEW: HOMAGE TO LOUIS, by FRED CHAPPELL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Ever, ever in unanimous voice we drift Last Line: For our savage reverend assault upon the stars Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Jazz; Music And Musicians HIGHWAY 49, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Well I'm going to get up in the morning : get to highway forty-nine Last Line: Lord I'm tired of laying around : ooo well boys on highway forty-nine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIGHWAY 61 BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: If you ever been to memphis : you stop down in hollywood Last Line: You know I'm wild about your kind mama : I ain't going to do nothing wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIGHWAY NO. 61 BLUES, by WILL BATTS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to leave here walking : going down number sixty-one Last Line: I'm going to ask the good lord : give me back my baby if he please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIGHWAY NO. 61 BLUES, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: I'm going to leave here walking : I'm going down number sixty-one Last Line: I'm going to ask the good lord : to give me back my baby if you please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIGHWAY NO. 61 BLUES NO.2, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: I can hear the hell dog ringing : and the people all a-crying Last Line: That is the reason I am so *love with it* : sixty-one has give me a new start Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HIS ANSWER, by CLARA ANN THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: He prayed for patientce; care and sorrow came Last Line: His heart had learned, through weariness and care %the patience, that he deemed he'd sought in vain Subject(s): African Americans - Women HIS HANDS, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Will never be large enough Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HIS HANDS, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Will never be large enough Last Line: Whatever his hands will give Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The past has been a mint Last Line: True of tomorrow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HISTORY LESSON, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I am four in this photograph standing Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HISTORY LESSON, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am four in this photograph standing Last Line: Of a cotton meal-sack dress Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HITCH ME TO YOUR BUGGY AND DRIVE ME LIKE A MULE, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: You can hitch me to your buggy : babe drive me just like I was a mule Last Line: Every time I put my hand on her : boy she really get on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOBO JUNGLE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now when I left chicago : I left on that g and m Last Line: Now if you ain't got your fare : that's where they will let you down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOCK MY SHOES, by ROBERT COOKSEY Poem Source First Line: I hocked everything : from my hat down to my shoes Last Line: So now sweet mama : I got those doggone hockshop blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOECAKE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you wants to bake a hoecake Last Line: You wrops it 'round a nigger's heel, %an' hol's it to de fire Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOLD THEM PUPPIES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Nights so lonesome : and the days so long Last Line: I want some of your loving : don't care what you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOMAGE TO MY HAIR, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I feel her jump up and dance Last Line: The blacker she do be! Subject(s): African Americans - Women HOMAGE TO MY HAIR, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I feel her jump up and dance Last Line: The grayer she do get, good god, %the blacker she do be! Subject(s): African Americans - Women HOMAGE TO THE EMPRESS OF THE BLUES, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because there was a man somewhere in a candystripe silk shirt Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937); Negroes; American Blacks; Songs HOMAGE TO THE EMPRESS OF THE BLUES, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because there was a man somewhere in a candystripe silk shirt Last Line: And shone that smile on us and sang Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) HOME COOKIN': CHARLES AND REBECCA. THEIR BEDROOM. EVENING, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Says, you won't come see Last Line: You go, now, you hear Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) HOME WRECKIN' BLUES, by ED SCHAFFER Poem Source First Line: Oh tell me baby : the way back to your town Last Line: I'm going to leave from here baby : ain't coming back no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOMECOMING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went back in the alley Last Line: A whole lot of room %was the only thing I had Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HOMESICK BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: De railroad bridge's / a sad song in de air Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Homesickness; Railroads; Negroes; American Blacks; Railways; Trains HOMESICK BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: De railroad bridge's %a sad song in de air Last Line: To keep from cryin' %I opens ma mouth an' laughs Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Homesickness; Railroads HONEY, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now it don't make no difference sweet little old honey : a-how you trying to ca Last Line: You fool right around now little old honey : and let me catch you dead to the right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY BABE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Honey babe, %you braid your hair too tight Last Line: Like my little girl Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HONEY BABE LET THE DEAL GO DOWN, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Honey babe : please let my deal go down Last Line: Tell me sweet baby : what fault you find on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY BEE BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: I want you to come on baby : now and take a walk with me Last Line: Now because you said that I was your little honeybee : and I could make your honey just right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY BLUES, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Come and kiss me honey babe : before I go Last Line: And lose his head : about a little piece of tail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY DRIPPING PAPA, by KID PRINCE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Tain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right Last Line: I'd go up on the mountain : call my baby back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY WHERE YOU BEEN SO LONG, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: My honey left me : he's gone away Last Line: Bad luck's *over* my house : ??? Then begine to ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY, I LOVE, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I love %I love a lot of things, a whole lot of things Last Line: And honey, %I love you, too Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Family Life HONEY, I'M ALL OUT AND DOWN, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I'm broke baby : and I ain't got a dime Last Line: A jet-black woman : make a rabbit hug a hound Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEY, WON'T YOU ALLOW ME ONE MORE CHANCE, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Honey allow me a-one more chance : I only I will treat you right Last Line: One kind of favor I'll ask of you : just allow me just one more chance Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEYMOON BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Betty mae betty mae : you shall be my wife some day Last Line: I'm going to take you for a honeymoon : in some long long distant land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HONEYSUCKLE WAS THE SADDEST ODOR OF ALL, I THINK', by THADIOUS M. DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I wanted to be a nature poet Last Line: Remnants of %my poetic eye Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Nature HONOUR'S APPEAL TO JUSTICE, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Unjust, untrue, is he who dares Last Line: For right and right alone we plead. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans; Justice; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs HOODOO MOMA, by LUISAH TEISH Poem Source First Line: Wooden stairs scrubbed with red brick Last Line: There's prophesy in the %bark of a dog Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights HOOKWORM BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Hookworm in your body : and your food don't do you no good Last Line: Her man like a hookworm : taking a hold to my babe Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOOTIE BLUES, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: The musicians Last Line: Orville laughed, that's %what you think Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) HOP HEAD BLUES, by SMOKY HARRISON Poem Source First Line: Lord I remember : what my big fat mama said Last Line: To keep papa's little gold *watch-key* : from doing that 'fore-day creep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes when I'm lonely Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Friendship; Negroes; American Blacks HOPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He rose up on his dying bed / and asked for fish Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Friendship; Negroes; American Blacks HOPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes when I'm lonely Last Line: Keep thinkin' I won't be lonely %by and by Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Friendship HOPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He rose up on his dying bed %and asked for fish Last Line: His wife looked it up in her dream book %and played it Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HOPE FOR HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's a new skyline in harlem Last Line: The answer to a prayer Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HOPELESS BLUES, by ANNA BELL Poem Source First Line: Is it hopeless : when I lost my best friend Last Line: I want somebody to help me : if you ??? Please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOPPIN' TOAD FROG, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm harmless as I can be : I stays out of all people's way Last Line: I can dive down to the bottom : and take my time and tread right back up Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOPSCOTCH LOVE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Jerome %is gone and still my feet Last Line: Each square with my jerome Subject(s): African Americans; Love HORN OF PLENTY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Singers %singers like o- Last Line: I said, yes, your mama Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HORSES, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mr. John jacobs used to sit me on the old carousel Last Line: And I wondered if he'd ever fly again Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama HOT COMBS, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the junk shop, I find an old pair Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HOT COMBS, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the junk shop, I find an old pair Last Line: Her face made strangely beautiful %as only suffering can do Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HOT HOUSE, 1515 OLIVER STREET, K.C., MO, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Circled, like cats on - Last Line: To follow his lead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) HOT JELLY ROLL BLUES, by GEORGE+(2) CARTER Poem Source First Line: Jellyroll jellyroll : you can eat it on the fence Last Line: You can ask anybody : on auburn avenue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOT PAPA, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Hot papa : don't keep me waiting so long Last Line: If you were trying : to play me for a fool Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOT PAPA BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I ain't good-looking : and I don't dress cute Last Line: I'm just a red-hot papa : just blowed in your town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOT TIME BLUES, by WILLIE HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Say it makes no difference : what mama don't allow Last Line: Whenever you quit me : I ain't going to take you back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOUSE DANCE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+214 Poem Source First Line: Let me tell you people : some of the grandest news Last Line: I'm going away to leave you : and ain't coming back here at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOUSE IN TAOS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rain %thunder of the rain god Last Line: Into the wilderness %of our house in taos Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HOUSE OF DESIRE, by SHERLEY ANNE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: This is really the story of a %sista who was very too-ga-tha Last Line: Then - would he leave me so much on my own %to cry and get scared? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women HOUSE OF THE DEAD REMEMBERING, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This bone-sack you see Last Line: In a wood-framed house %and nothing more Subject(s): African Americans HOUSE RENT SCUFFLE, by LIL JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Play that thing : play that thing just right Last Line: I wouldn't have no lights : but the lightman couldn't get in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOUSEKEEPING, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We mourn the broken things, chair legs Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HOUSEKEEPING, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We mourn the broken things, chair legs Last Line: For the mail, some news from a distant place Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping HOW ABOUT IT, DIXIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The president's four freedoms Last Line: Now -- right here! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HOW CAN I GO ON?, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: I'm so sorry you heard : I don't know what to do Last Line: I'm sorry for the time : I made you blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW COME MAMA BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: How come you do me like you do baby : how come you do me like you do Last Line: You have to make them : one of your g b v ds Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW DO YOU DO IT THAT WAY?, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Oh when the river runs : flowers are blooming in may Last Line: Oh the hen had chickens : how do they do it that way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW I SEE THINGS, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I hear you were Last Line: Working the strawberry fields Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans HOW LONG BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: How long, how long, has that evenin' train been gone Last Line: How long, how long, how long? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW LONG HOW LONG, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Standing at the station : watch my baby leave town Last Line: Thinking about the trouble : a good man always have Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW LONG?, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: I never never never : can forget that day Last Line: I ain't had no loving : since my baby gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW OLD ARE YOU? (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: How old are you my pretty little miss Last Line: I'll be sixteen next sunday Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOW THIN A BLANKET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is so much misery in the world Last Line: For the withered body %of despair Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HOW TO GET TO GLORY LAND, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you wants to fit to glory land Last Line: An' slip 'way - over into glory lan' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOW TO KEEP OR KILL THE DEVIL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you wants to see de devil smile Last Line: An' if you don't watch, he'll slip it on you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOW TO MAKE IT RAIN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Go kill dat snake an' hang him high Last Line: De storm an' rain'll come bye an' bye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOW TO PLANT AND CULTIVATE SEEDS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Plant: one fer de blackbird Last Line: Pull it out'n de hill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOW TO PLEASE A PREACHER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you wants to see dat preachah laugh Last Line: Kill dat chicken an' give him a thigh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HOW WILL YOU CALL ME, BROTHER, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Have you armed your children? Subject(s): African Americans - Women HOW YOU WANT IT DONE?, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Why don't you tell me loving mama : how you want your rolling done Last Line: Lord I know you going to call me : baby lord and I'll be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOW YOU WANT YOUR ROLLIN' DONE, by LOUIE LASKY Poem Source First Line: Now tell me mama : just how do you want your rolling done Last Line: Because she's three time seven : and she knows just exactly what to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOWLIN' TOM CAT BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now don't you hear me mama : I'm begging at your door Last Line: But most any man : will howl about something like that Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOWLING WIND BLUES, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: The north wind has begin howling : [and, but] the skies are pretty and blue Last Line: And if it don't : I swear it will always be the same Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOWLING WOLF BLUES--NO. 1, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: I am the wolf that everybody been trying to find out : where in the world I pro Last Line: Seem like he wants me to be a prowler : and a howling wolf all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HOWLING WOLF BLUES--NO. 2, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Baby here I am : down on my bended knees Last Line: Watch the roads dark as night mama : and you liable to see me prowl Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HUGS AND KISSES, by LINDA MICHELLE BARON Poem Source First Line: Hugs and kisses and kisses Last Line: Makes me feel...Inside Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life HUNGER, by KATHLEEN TANKERSLEY YOUNG Poem Source First Line: Your body is a dark wine Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women HUNGRY WOLF, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm that hungry wolf : and the ground is where I dug my cave Last Line: Old wolf is hungry now I'm going to do most 'napping : than I done since god knows when Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HUNKIE TUNKIE BLUES, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Baby I'm going uptown : tell the chief police Last Line: Head is curly : baby and bushy too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HUNTING BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Said I went out hunting : hunting all *night and day* Last Line: Then you'll set right here : play and begin to sing this song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HUNTING CAMP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Sam got up one mornin' Last Line: But a big black b'ar Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs HURRY AND BRING IT BACK HOME, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: I got them blues : and I can't be satisfied Last Line: You got what I want : so hurry bring it back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HURRY BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: I know this eagle's on a dollar : other side in god we trust Last Line: Then again you hear me singing : sweet atlanta blues to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Hurry down sunshine : see what tomorrow brings Last Line: Two keen long whistles : bid me long farewell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HURT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who cares %about the hurt in your heart Last Line: From your lips. %nobody cares Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans HUSH, HONEY, by RUBY C. SAUNDERS Poem Source First Line: Hush! Yo' mouth %it is time to be quiet Last Line: All praises are due to allah for the lamb Subject(s): African Americans - Women HUSH, LITTLE BABY, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: If that diamond ring turns brass Last Line: You'll still be the sweetest baby in town! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life HUSTLER'S BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Whiskey is my habit : good women is all I crave Last Line: I would drink good whiskey : and gamble all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) HYMN FOR LANIE POO, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O / these wild trees Last Line: For that mayyer, by god Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Racism; Sisters; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry HYMN FOR LANIE POO, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O %these wild trees Last Line: Benevolent step %mother america Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Racism; Sisters I AIN'T GIVING NOBODY NONE, by MAE GLOVER Poem Source First Line: My man left me : he left me feeling bad Last Line: I don't care how I do it : doggone heart disease Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I AIN'T GOIN' TO PLAY SECOND FIDDLE, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Let me tell you daddy : mama ain't going to sit and grieve Last Line: They you're going : to hang your head and weep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I AIN'T GONNA BE WORRIED NO MORE, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: You know I worried last night : all night before Last Line: Come home last night : had the back door locked Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I AIN'T GONNA BE YOUR FOOL, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I work all day long for you : until the sun go down Last Line: And when they get through playing with your heart : and they'll start dragging you all around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I AIN'T NO ICE MAN, by CHARLES COW COW DAVENPORT Poem Source First Line: I ain't no iceman : I ain't no iceman's son Last Line: But I can furnish you plenty of cream : baby until the milkman comes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I AM A BLACK WOMAN, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Look %on me and be %renewed Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alphabet Verse I AM A COWBOY IN THE BOAT OF RA, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Party pooper o hater of dance %vampire outlaw of the milky way Subject(s): African Americans - History I AM CALLING BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Listen here woman: I'm calling on your name Last Line: When I love my woman: it puts me in a strain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I AM HIGH ON THE MAN CALLED CRAZY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: He has bitten sons Subject(s): African Americans; Man-woman Relationships I AM HIGH ON THE MAN CALLED CRAZY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: To eat devils and out of mine %he has bitten sons Subject(s): African Americans I AM NOT GOING TO HOBO ANY MORE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My mammy done tol' me a long time ago Last Line: I hain't never gwineter hobo no mo' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I AM WAITIN' ON THE LEVEE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I AM WILLIE OR AMOS OR ANYONE, by ANEB KGOSITSILE Poem Source Last Line: I am strong, smooth, sharp in the pawn shop window, %the ten cent store Subject(s): African Americans I BELIEVE I'LL DUST MY BROOM, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to get up in the morning : I believe I'll dust my broom Last Line: If I can't find her on philippines island : she must be in ethiopia somewhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I BELIEVE I'LL MAKE A CHANGE, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Now I believe : I believe I'll go back home Last Line: Going to turn off this gas stove : I'm bound for a brand new range Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I BRING LAUGHTER, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I made you laugh, %isn't this fun? Last Line: I tickled my angel self, too Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels I CALLED YOU THIS MORNING, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: I called you this morning : about half past one Last Line: You told me : that it was out of fix Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CALLED YOU THIS MORNING, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I got something to tell you : hope I don't make you mad Last Line: Yes you going to leave your mama : standing in this door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CAN BEAT YOU PLENTY, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Now if you ever go down south : go down in dixieland Last Line: I am looking for the woman : that ain't got no man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CAN DEAL WORRY, by UNKNOWN+207 Poem Source First Line: I'm worried now lord : I won't be worreid long Last Line: Say she taking one bite : threw the teacup at my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CAN TELL BY THE WAY YOU SMELL, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Your hair all wrinkled : and you full of sweat Last Line: Just look at papa out there : on that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CAN'T BE SATISFIED, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Now listen here my baby : tell you what I want you to do Last Line: I got to pay my wife : for everything I get Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CAN'T LAST LONG, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Lonesome lonesome : yes I'm sinking sinking sinking down below my grave Last Line: Please don't you wait : for I'll be dead and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I CAN'T STAND IT, by BEN RAMEY Poem Source First Line: Now what are you going to do : when your supper get like mine Last Line: I say where have you been mama : been out selling sweet jellyroll Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I COME UP OUT OF EGYPT, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I COULDN'T HELP IT, by ALLEN SHAW Poem Source First Line: Well I got up this morning : feeling bad Last Line: The way you got : it's going to be the ruin of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I COULDN'T STAY HERE, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: I went home last night baby : found my good gal there Last Line: I can buy you foresight baby : when the lord ain't give you none Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DO BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: Oh woman I do : god knows I do Last Line: Oh you told me you was going : you was going to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DON'T CARE WHO GETS WHAT I DON'T WANT, by ANNA BELL Poem Source First Line: If that were me : and me was it Last Line: But I think : those days now gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DON'T KNOW, by CRIPPLE CLARENCE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: Got to sit around : for a while Last Line: ??? Things : is got your habits on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DON'T KNOW AND I DON'T CARE BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: I don't know and I don't care : where my loving daddy's gone Last Line: Because I keep : the don't know and don't care blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DON'T LIKE THAT, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: I saw you doing something : don't do it no more Last Line: Begged till daybreak : and I ain't got none yet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DON'T LOVE NOBODY, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I don't want nobody : I want the world to know Last Line: And if he ask to kiss me : I would knock him down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DON'T WANT THAT JUNK OUTA YOU, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I give you my money : and I ain't ashamed Last Line: I do anything : to give your poor heart ease Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I DONE GO SO THIRSTY THAT MY MOUTH WATERS, by PATRICIA SPEARS JONES Poem Source Last Line: On the sidewalk like flooded houses %wasted of time and touch Subject(s): African Americans - Women I DREAM A WORLD WHERE MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Of such I dream, my world Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans I FOLLOWED A PATH, by PATRICIA PARKER Poem Source Last Line: For one moment, %I chased the lines away Alternate Author Name(s): Parker, Pat Subject(s): African American Lesbians; African Americans - Women; Homosexuality I FOUND A NEW BABY, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Fairskinned, even in Last Line: Like he is her own Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: The kick, they call Last Line: Metes and bourn of my %meager mastery Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) I GET THE BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now listen here sweet baby : please listen to me Last Line: Thinking about your loving : mixed with some other man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I GET THE BLUES AT BEDTIME, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I get the blues at bedtime : them things don't leave until day Last Line: I think I would get married : baby and I would settle down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I GOT EVERYTHING A WOMAN NEEDS, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I've got everything that a woman needs : to make a good man fall Last Line: Then I'll show them how : I can do my stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I GOT GOOD TATERS, by CHARLIE BURSE Poem Source First Line: I got a house : way up on the hill Last Line: I've got potatoes : lord they ought to ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I GOT SOMEBODY ELSE, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Now you didn't want me : when I was treating you nice and kind Last Line: When I wanted you : you wanted someone else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I GOT TO GO BLUES, by BARREL HOUSE BUCK MACFARLAND Poem Source First Line: I got to go : got to leave my baby be Last Line: You worry me woman : babe I don't know what to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I GOT WHAT IT TAKES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I saved it up : since the lord knows when Last Line: And then you realize : your sweet mama's gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I HAD A GAL FOR THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS, by ROBERT HILL Poem Source First Line: When the rooster gets to worrying : be brings it to the hen Last Line: You got to find another place : for to park your *rotsy* hips Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I HATE THAT TRAIN CALLED THE M. AND O., by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I hate that train : that they all call the m and o Last Line: To see that m and o train : and me and my daddy part Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND, by JIMMY ODEN Poem Source First Line: I have made up my mind : to explain to you in every way Last Line: I've got a woman in ??? : so you can find you another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I HAVE SEEN BLACK HANDS, by RICHARD WRIGHT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am black and I have seen black hands, millions and millions of them Subject(s): African Americans; Social Problems; Negroes; American Blacks I HAVE SEEN BLACK HANDS, by RICHARD WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I am black and I have seen black hands, millions and millions of them Last Line: Some day there shall be millions and millions of them, %on some red day in a burst of fists on a new Subject(s): African Americans; Social Problems I KEEP THE BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: About four this morning : blues come in my door Last Line: Because I'm full of blue : and I have got to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I KNOW A MOON-RISE, I KNOW STAR RISE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: And my soul and your soul will meet in de day %when I lay dis body down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I KNOW I'M NOT SUFFICIENTLY OBSCURE, by RAY DUREM Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: You deal with finer feelings, %very subtle-an autumn leaf %hanging from a tree-I see a body! Subject(s): African Americans; Labor And Laborers I KNOW YOU GONNA MISS ME, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Well I beg you baby : baby so long Last Line: Going back home to my baby : won't have to cry no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I LAID MY CARDS ON THE TABLE, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I laid my cards on the table : still you wouldn't give me a break Last Line: Now you are too late baby : because someone else in your stall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I LET MY DADDY DO THAT, by HATTIE HART Poem Source First Line: Says people call me mama treetop : because I'm slender and tall Last Line: But when any easy riding : goes on here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I LOVE SOMEBODY (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I loves somebody, yes, I do Last Line: She's de pretty liddle girl dat beats 'em all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I NEVER MISS MY SUNSHINE, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: You said you want to leave me : at the door Last Line: Ain't found nobody else to love me : like my loving daddy done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I PACKED MY SUITCASE, STARTED TO THE TRAIN, by JENNIE CLAYTON Poem Source First Line: It is up to you baby : do anything that you want to do Last Line: You are three times seven : you know just what you want to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I PACKED MY SUITCASE, STARTED TO THE TRAIN, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Hey black folks is evil : do anything that you want to do Last Line: I wouldn't hurt so bad mama : but you had another man just the same Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I RAISED MY WINDOW AND LOOKED AT THE RISIN' SUN, by OLLIE RUPERT Poem Source First Line: Lord early one morning : just about the break of day Last Line: It's a hard-driving papa : just as sure as you born Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I REMEMBER, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source Last Line: But I wish I remembered %what I forgot Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life I REMEMBER, by MAE JACKSON Poem Source Last Line: The desire that I had to build %a black snowman %and place him upon %malcolm's grave Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) I REMEMBER YOU, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Down on her knees Last Line: Mustn't lock the door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) I SAY, MR. A, by SAMUEL ALLEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When %at the close of war Last Line: But they was both a bitch! Alternate Author Name(s): Vesey, Paul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Jazz; Music And Musicians I SEE MY GREAT MISTAKE, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I've got something to tell you baby : don't let it break your heart Last Line: Found out you acting funny : I'm sure going to let you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I SING NO NEW SONGS, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once I cried for a new songs to sing...A black rose...A brown sky...The Last Line: Clothes, teach a more graceful step...But the dreams of homer neither %grow nor wilt Subject(s): African Americans I SIT AND SEW, by ALICE RUTH MOORE DUNBAR-NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sit and sew - a useless task it seems Last Line: It stifles me -- god, must I sit and sew? Alternate Author Name(s): Nelson, Alice Dunbar (moore) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Americans; Sewing; United States; War; America I SIT AND WAIT FOR BEAUTY; TO JOHN LOVELL, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Long have I yearned and sought for beauty Last Line: She will ever hide her face %and elude my grasping hand Subject(s): African Americans - Women I THOUGHT IT WAS TANGIERS I WANTED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I know now %that notre dame is in paris Last Line: But I thought it was tangiers I wanted Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris; Tangier, Morocco I USED TO THINK / I CAN'T BE A POET, by CHIRLANE MCCRAY Poem Source Last Line: That pretty is the woman in darkness %who flowers with loving Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights I WALKED DE ROADS, TILL DE ROADS GIT MUDDY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: So shore you'se de gal, you'se de ga I'se after Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I WANT EV'RY BIT OF IT, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: When moses (brooder Last Line: Ever turn that down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) I WANT IT AWFUL BAD, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: You get mad : someone call your name Last Line: You squeezed my lemon : caused my juice to run Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WANT MY SWEET DADDY, by HANNAH SYLVESTER Poem Source First Line: Every night : when I go to bed Last Line: That's the reason : why he makes a fool out of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WANT MY SWEET DADDY NOW, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Folks I'll tell : that he's not my regular man Last Line: He gives me plenty loving : treats his mama right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WANT PLENTY OF GREASE IN MY FRYING PAN, by MARGARET CARTER Poem Source First Line: You know I use plenty grease : every day Last Line: I said sweet papa : put some grease in my pot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WANT YOU TO KNOW, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Baby I want you to know : babe I want you to know Last Line: I don't mean you no more good : now please get you another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WANTA TEAR IT ALL THE TIME, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Tear it long : tear it wide Last Line: You know by that : I didn't tear it just right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WAS BORN IN A HOTEL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: A woman jar Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Birth I WAS BORN WITH TWELVE FINGERS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: My dead mother my live daughter and me %through our terrible shadowy hands Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers And Daughters I WAS JUS, by BOB O'MEALLY Poem Source Last Line: I'd drum out a hellfire protess %in secret Subject(s): African Americans I WEEP, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women I WENT DOWN DE ROAD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Oh far'-you-well, an' a hook-a-doo-dle-doo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I WENT TO THE VALLEY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: My soul got happy %and I stayed all day Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; U.s. - Race Relations; Virginia (state) I WHIPPED MY WOMAN WITH A SINGLE TREE, by TEWEE BLACKMAN Poem Source First Line: I said my woman : had a falling out Last Line: Every time she walks : she leaves a lot behind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WILL NOT LET THEM TAKE YOU, by OPAL PALMER ADISA Poem Source First Line: Tell them %tell them loud and clear Last Line: Tell them %now Subject(s): African Americans I WILL TURN YOUR MONEY GREEN, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: When I was in missouri : would not let me be Last Line: Woman I love : she don't pay me no mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WISH I WAS AN APPLE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: W'en 'is time come to bake Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I WON'T BE IN HARD LUCK NO MORE, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: I said goodbye baby : oh yes I got to go Last Line: I got a gal in east st louis : she lives in polack town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I WOULD NOT MARRY A BLACK GIRL (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I wouldn't marry a black gal Last Line: When you has her face around, %it never gits good day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I WOULD RATHER BE A NEGRO THAN A POOR WHITE MAN (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My name's ran, I wuks in de san Last Line: I'd druther be a nigger, an' plow ole beck %dan a white hillbilly wid his long red neck Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I WOULDN'T MARRY A YELLOW OR A WHITE NEGRO GIRL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I sho' loves dat gal dey calls sally 'black' Last Line: An' her skin, it hain't never dry Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I WUZ BORNED ON THE RIVUH, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU JUST THE SAME, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Addie %framed on the mantle Last Line: Em, and hold on tight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) I'LL BE GONE LONG GONE, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: I beg you baby : to treat me right Last Line: But some day baby : you'll long for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL BE UP SOME DAY, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says I've been traveling mama : all by myself Last Line: But I got another little sweet woman : and I don't want your three sixty-nine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL EAT WHEN I'M HUNGRY (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: I cain't never starve Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'LL GET ALONG SOMEHOW, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I'm going to leave here : walking too Last Line: You taken my money : and gave me the air Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL GET YOU, RABBIT!, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Rabbit! Rabbit! You'se got a mighty habit Last Line: You'll be in my fryin' pan Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'LL GO WITH HER BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I'll go with her I'll follow her I will : to her burying place Last Line: Makes me think about that song : my baby used to sing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Say I feel myself : falling again Last Line: In the same hole : that I once was in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL OVERCOME SOME DAY, by MISSISSIPPI BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Worked all the summer : and all the fall Last Line: Somebody : stole my little all-in-all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL SEE YOU IN THE SPRING WHEN THE BIRDS BEGIN TO SING, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: And I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind Last Line: You keep me troubled : honey all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'LL WEAR ME A COTTON DRESS (MILLY BIGGERS) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh, will you wear red? Oh, will you wear red? Last Line: Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M A 'ROUND-TOWN' GENTLEMAN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I hain't no wagon, hain't no dray Last Line: To wk in de mud, an' do widout shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M A BACK BITIN' MAMA, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I'm a backbiting mama : looking for a cheating man Last Line: I learned backbiting : when I went to school Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M A DREAMER, by KATTIE M. CUMBO Poem Source First Line: I dream of serenity Last Line: One who sleeps %away reality Subject(s): African Americans - Women I'M A GUITAR KING, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: I'm a guitar king : singing the blues everywhere I go Last Line: Crazy about a married woman : afraid to call her name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M A RATTLESNAKIN' DADDY, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : about half past four Last Line: Half past nine : I'm going to rattle again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M A REAL KIND MAMA, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I'm a real kind mama : looking for a loving man Last Line: At morning noon and night : that's all I'm thinking of Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M A STEADY ROLLIN MAN, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I'm a steady rolling man : I roll both night and day Last Line: Well boys she get rambling in her brain : mmm some other man on her mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M ALABAMA BOUND, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Stood on the corner : feet got soaking wet Last Line: Just before you and your partner get ready to go : leave a dime for her Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M ALABAMA BOUND, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M AN OLD BUMBLE BEE, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I am an old bumblebee : a stinger just as long as my arm Last Line: And they all crying bumblebee : you know it hurts so good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M DOWN IN THE DUMPS, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: My man's got something : he gives me such a thrill Last Line: I need a whole lots of loving : because I'm down in the dumps Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M FEELING LOW DOWN, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I've got the blues : I feel so lowdown Last Line: Because I love my baby : *and there's such a good time* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GETTING WILD ABOUT HER, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Good morning judge : he done lowered the fine Last Line: Daddy wild : about my heavy stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GOIN' DOWN THE RIVUH, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M GOIN' DOWN THE RIVUH, BABY, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M GOIN' TO SHIP ON THE MIKE DAVIS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M GOIN' TO ST. LOUIS, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Well trouble start this morning : at my front door Last Line: But you wouldn't try : to treat me right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GOIN' UP THE RIVUH, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M GOING BACK HOME, by JOE+(1) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Oh mercy dear : you cause my heart Last Line: Day you leave me : that's the day you die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GOING BACK HOME, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: When I was born : I was resting at ease Last Line: Know when you had your money : thought that you wouldn't get broke Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GONNA CUT OUT EVERYTHING, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I have cut out my way of living : I have changed my ways Last Line: And if my money lasts me : ooo well I know I won't have to cut it with no-good jane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GONNA GET IT, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Say the holdup man ; says don't act tough Last Line: Makes no mistake : yes I'm running wild Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GONNA LEAVE YOU ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town Last Line: Now we got seven children : ain't none of them look like me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GONNA MOAN MY BLUES AWAY, by BLIND RICHARD YATES Poem Source First Line: I went to the gypsy : to have my fortune told Last Line: I done moaned I done groaned : moaned my blues away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M GONNA TEAR YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: You only had : a boot and a shoe Last Line: Because mama's going to stop you : with a *blue steel bill* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M LEAVIN' TOWN, by WILLIE HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Yeah mean mama : where you stay last night Last Line: Easy mama : no good bearing down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M NOT THE LAD, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: You are the same girl : I met in nineteen hundred and four Last Line: You are a lying sweet woman : so get up and out of that mud Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M NUTS ABOUT THE GAL, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Now she ain't good-looking : she don't dress fine Last Line: But I believe to my soul : she put that thing on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M NUTS OVER YOU, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If love is a crime then I'm guilty : but there's nothing I can do Last Line: After all the good women in this world : why did I have to fall in love with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M ON MY WAY BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I was standing on the corner : and I was wringing my hands Last Line: Yeah the good book do tell you : ooo that crime do not pay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M SIITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: The day you left me : you throwed me down Last Line: I write you a letter : come sneaking back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M SO GLAD I'M TWENTY-ONE YEARS OLD TODAY, by JOE DEAN Poem Source First Line: Well I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today Last Line: Lord I'm three times seven : I'm going to have my way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M SO TIRED OF LIVING ALL ALONE, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Although we are drifting : so far apart Last Line: My arms may be empty : but never down in my heart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M TALKING ABOUT YOU, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: You can quit me : do anything you want to do Last Line: Want me to be your mammy : and your doctor too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M TALKING ABOUT YOU--NO. 2, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: You up and quit me : do anything you want to do Last Line: Want me to be your mammy : and your doctor too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M THE MAN THAT KIN RAISE SO LONG, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'M TIRED OF BEING MISTREATED, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to buy no corn Last Line: You must have found something : to keep you away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M WAITIN' ON YOU, by AMOS EASTON Poem Source First Line: Come here pretty mama : come here right now Last Line: There many more women : just rearing to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M WASTING MY TIME ON YOU, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: I'm so down-hearted : feeling sad Last Line: Hard luck and trouble : meets me at the door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M WILD ABOUT MY LOVIN', by JIM JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tell the sergeant : *he the* chief of police Last Line: I'm going to see my gal : and it won't be long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M WILD ABOUT MY STUFF, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: All of my chicken : is dressed mighty fine Last Line: Kansas joe : been here and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'M WUKIN' MY WAY BACK HOME, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs I'VE BEEN TREATED WRONG, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I don't know my real name : I don't know when I was born Last Line: I'm too old for the orphan : and too young for the old folks' home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'VE GOT A HOME IN THAT ROCK, by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: I had an uncle once who kept a rock in his pocket Last Line: Enough to make him homesick, what home was really like Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans; Stones I'VE GOT BLOOD IN MY EYES FOR YOU, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: I was out this morning : feeling blue Last Line: You ain't going to get : none of my santa claus Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'VE GOT FORD MOVEMENTS IN MY HIPS, by CLEO GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I've got ford movements in my hips : ten thousand miles guarantee Last Line: Take a ford engine boys : to do your stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'VE GOT TO DIG YOU, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Going to tell you women: and it goes for the men Last Line: I'm going to plant you now woman : but I will dig you later Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I'VE STOPPED MY MAN, by HOCIEL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I know you love me : daddy it's understood Last Line: *since my mother* : put that thing on you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) I, TOO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I, too, sing america. / I am the darker brother Last Line: I, too, am america. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Epilogue;i, Too, Sing America Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America I, WOMAN, by IRMA MCCLAURIN Poem Source First Line: And I, woman, cloaked in blues Last Line: I swear I hear those sisters still humming Subject(s): African Americans - Women I.C. BLUES, by JELLY ROLL ANDERSON Poem Source First Line: Trouble trouble: ever since I been a man Last Line: I'll be back to see my baby: but the lord only knows when Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ICE AND SNOW BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow Last Line: After all your mistreating : no one can take your place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ICE AND SNOW BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: This winter babe : going to be ice and snow Last Line: And the ??? : didn't have no : baby have no place to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IDA COX'S LAWDY, LAWDY BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Tell me pretty daddy : what's the matter now Last Line: That to hear the man I love : say I don't want you no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IDA RED, IDA RED, I'M GITTIN TIRED UF, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs IDEA OF ANCESTRY, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Taped to the wall of my cell are 47 pictures: 47 black Last Line: They are all of me, I am me, they are thee, and I have no children to float in the space between Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors And Ancestry; Fathers; Korean War, 1950-1953; Men; Prayer; Prisons And Prisoners IDIOT, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: That cop was powerful mean Last Line: Who hired him' Subject(s): African Americans IDYL: SUNRISE, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Down in the dell Last Line: He cometh, so I wait Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women IDYL: SUNSET, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In western skies %rare radiance lies Last Line: Does it not seem %that love can all control? Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women IDYLL OF THE SOUTH, SELS., by ALBERY ALLSON WHITMAN Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Racism; Southern States IF I DIDN'T LOVE YOU, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: Baby what's the matter : why don't you be yourself Last Line: If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF I GET LUCKY, by ARTHUR BIG BOY CRUDUP Poem Source First Line: That's all right mama : that's all right for you Last Line: I'm going back to mississippi : lord now where I belong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF I HAD POSSESSION OVER JUDGMENT DAY, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If I had possession : over judgment day Last Line: I want to tell you : all about the way they treated me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF I LET YOU GET AWAY WITH IT ONCE YOU'LL DO IT ALL OF TIME, by MARGARET+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: You said you's going to leave me : but I don't care Last Line: But when you came home : you didn't know the name of the play Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF I LOSE, LET ME LOSE, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I got on : my walking shoes Last Line: In the jail : would be my end Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF I MUST KNOW, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: If I must know sorrow Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women IF I STAND IN MY WINDOW, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Praying in tongues Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Identity; Nudity IF I STAND IN MY WINDOW, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Crying %praying in tongues Subject(s): African Americans IF I'M A FOOL, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: You say I'm a fool : and everyone knows Last Line: I love him : and darn the rest Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF MAMA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Good girl %clean up your room Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers And Daughters IF WE MUST DIE, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If we must die, let it not be like hogs Last Line: Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Courage; Death; Honor; Social Protest; World War I; Negroes; American Blacks; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The; First World War IF YOU FROWNS, AN' I FROWNS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Right in de sunshine wedder Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs IF YOU HAVEN'T ANY HAY GET ON DOWN THE ROAD, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: If you haven't any hay : get on down the road Last Line: You'll find me riding : mama lord lord in this world somewhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF YOU SAW A NEGRO LADY, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Into surprise observing %happy birthday Subject(s): African Americans - Women IF YOU WANT A GOOD WOMAN--GET ONE LONG AND TALL, by WILEY BARNER Poem Source First Line: If you want a good woman : go to the larkin dam Last Line: Well I had a high fever : going up to my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF YOU WANT ME TO LOVE YOU, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Now if you want me to love you : here's what you got to do Last Line: Send me a telegram : that your heart is dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IF YOU WOULD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You could stop the factory whistles blowing Last Line: You could %if you %would Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IF-ING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I had some small change Last Line: Till it drives you crazy, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IGGLY OGGLY BLUES, by SMOKY HARRISON Poem Source First Line: So soon this morning mama : you were knocking on my door Last Line: Says I'm going too far baby : that you can't hear me say Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IMAGINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Imagine! %they are afraid of you Last Line: They are afraid %of you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IMPASSE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could tell you Last Line: And you don't %give a damn Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IN '76 (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Way down yonder in sebenty-six Last Line: I'll be ready fer dat great day soon Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs IN A MULBERRY TREE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jes looky, looky yonder; w'at I see Last Line: Dem liddle niggers gwineter roll an' kick Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs IN A RUSH (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Here I comes jes a-rearin' an' a-pitchin' Last Line: But a kiss from yo' lips would be sweeter, my dear Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs IN A TROUBLED KEY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do not sell me out, baby Last Line: Instead of to a song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IN AN URBAN SCHOOL, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The guard picks dead leaves from plants Last Line: Was found dead in an empty lot Subject(s): African Americans – Childen; Schools; Ghettos IN BOTH THE FAMILIES, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: We fit in Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Race Awareness IN EXPLANATION OF OUR TIMES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The folks with no titles in front of their names Last Line: So naturally, there's trouble %in these our times %because of people with no titles %in front of the Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IN HONOR OF TRUTH AND THE PROPHET MALCOLM X, by JUAN VILLEGAS Poem Source First Line: And there came to us Last Line: And giving warmth %and giving light Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) IN KNOWLWEDGE OF YOUNG BOYS, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I knew you before you had a mother Last Line: Brave before memory Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks IN KNOWLWEDGE OF YOUNG BOYS, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I knew you before you had a mother Last Line: Mouth, uncut, we were %brave before memory Subject(s): African Americans IN LIGHT HALF NIGHTMARE AND HALF VISION, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the corpse woodpiles, from the ashes and staring pits Last Line: Is in his eyes; his suffering transilluminates %the suffering of an age Subject(s): African Americans; Persecution IN MY GIRLISH DAYS, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Late hours at night : trying to play my hand Last Line: I had to travel : before I got wise Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IN THE HOUSE BLUES, by BESSIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Setting in the house with everything on my mind Last Line: They runs around my house in and out of my front door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IN THE MIST OF THE MOON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the mist of the moon I saw you Last Line: In the mist of the moon I saw you, dark nanette Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IN THE MORNING, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Disguised in my mouth as a swampland Subject(s): African Americans - Women IN TIME OF SILVER RAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: When spring %and life %are new Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Rain INCIDENT, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once riding in old baltimore Subject(s): African Americans; Baltimore, Maryland; Racism; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry INCIDENT, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once riding in old baltimore Last Line: Of all the things that happened there %that's all that I remember Subject(s): African Americans; Baltimore, Maryland; Racism; Social Protest INDEPENDENT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se jes as innerpenunt as a pig on ice Last Line: I don't want no niggers to be he'pin' me 'roun' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs INDIAN FLEA, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Injun flea, bit my knee Last Line: To wash 'im off, I'd stay a week Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs INNOCENCE, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She tripped and fell against a star Last Line: Twas a star-lance in her side! Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Innocence INQUIETUDE, by PAULI MURRAY Poem Source First Line: Blue is this night of stars Last Line: I sink and let the silver tide %engulf me Subject(s): African Americans - Women INQUIRY ON RESISTANCE, OR SNOW ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR..., by JEFF GUNDY Poem Source First Line: Cars whine, clutch at slush, collide Last Line: Of color, how otherworldly is our trust %in protest, in deliverance, in each other Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) INS AND OUTS OF MY GIRL, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Says my baby got something : I don't know what it is Last Line: Says I want you to come : and do my loving in my own home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) INSATIATE, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: If my love were meat and bread Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women INSULTED, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My mamma is a mean old sing Last Line: I'm doeing way, an' hide. Subject(s): African Americans - Women INSURANCE MAN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+219 Poem Source First Line: Insurance man came this morning : and knocked on my door Last Line: Ain't got no money : now my insurance is due Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) INSURANCE MAN BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Every monday morning : people the insurance man knocking on my door Last Line: Well I say I don't live up north : my home is back down in tennessee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) INSURANCE POLICY BLUES, by ? SMITH Poem Source First Line: I said hey hey insurance man : quit knocking on my door Last Line: You haven't done no ways : like that old policy read Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) INTERIM, by CLARISSA SCOTT DELANY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The night was made for rest and sleep Last Line: And not afraid to dare. Subject(s): African Americans - Women INTERLUDE, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: I like this quiet place Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Sanctuaries INTERNE AT PROVIDENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: White coats, %white aprons Last Line: Follows the young doctor, %cellophanes his long stride, %cellophanes his future Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans INTERPRETATION OF A POEM BY FROST, by THYLIAS MOSS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A young black girl stopped by the woods Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Frost, Robert (1874-1963); Poetry & Poets INTERPRETATION OF A POEM BY FROST, by THYLIAS MOSS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A young black girl stopped by the woods Last Line: Before she sleeps with jim Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Frost, Robert (1874-1963); Poetry And Poets INTERURBAN BLUES, by BILLIKEN JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Standing here a-wondering : will that car pass my way Last Line: She throws her arms around me : like the circle around the sun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) INTO THE LIGHT, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: There is a picture of Last Line: The light Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama INVENTION OF COMICS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a soul in the world: in Last Line: And his sea, and its moon, and %the soft fire throbbing. Kind %death. O %my dark and sultry %love Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans INVITED TO TAKE THE ESCORT'S ARM, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Miss, does you lak strawberries? Last Line: Den have a wing dis time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs INVOCATION, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Let me be buried in the rain Last Line: Grow high above my head. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks IRISH WAKE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the dark they fell a-crying Last Line: Happy they were here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IS IT BECAUSE I AM BLACK?, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: Why do men smile when I speak Last Line: Is it because I am black? Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks IS IT TRUE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the shadows of the quarter Last Line: Is it true that negroes -- %I said, ask your mama Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IS YO' LAMPS GONE OUT?, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ISLAND, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: Here the island is complete. The edges of the hard brick buildings are Last Line: Hope lingering in a time well after his death Subject(s): African Americans; Islands; Jazz; Music And Musicians ISLAND (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Between two rivers, %north of the park Last Line: Dream within a dream, %our dream is deferred. %good morning,daddy! %ain't you heard ? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ISLAND (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wave of sorrow Last Line: Wave of sorrow, %take me there Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ISN'T MY NAME MAGICAL?, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Nobody can see my name on me Last Line: Isn't your name and my name magic? Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life IT AIN'T WHAT YOU USTA BE, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: You see it ain't what you used to be baby : it's what you are today Last Line: She treats me so cold sometimes : I think she got somebody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT AINT NO, by BOB O'MEALLY Poem Source Last Line: Bookstos where I lives %in de berry Subject(s): African Americans IT DON'T MEAN A THING IF IT AIN'T GOT THAT SWING, by DUKE ELLINGTON Poem Source First Line: Wah-dah do, wah-dah do Last Line: If it ain't got that swing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians IT GIVES ME PAUSE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would like to be a sinner Last Line: When I get my sinning done Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans IT IS HARD TO LOVE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: But you hain't gwineter lug up in mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs IT LOOKS BAD FOR YOU, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I tried to get you ; to stop raising sand Last Line: Don't you looking : for me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT WAS A FUNKY DEAL, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: It was a funky deal Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks IT WAS A FUNKY DEAL, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) IT WON'T ACT RIGHT, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: I take my gal out : to a dance one night Last Line: I told her : to let my thing alone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT WON'T BE LONG, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: I aim to take my gun : ??? In your face Last Line: Don't you forget : how I went away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT WON'T BE LONG, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I believe sweet mama : going to do like she say Last Line: She gets up before day : and she puts that thing on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT WON'T BE LONG NOW, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Some day you'll wan't me : and it won't be long Last Line: Some day you'll want me : and it won't be long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT WON'T BE LONG NOW, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: One of these mornings : mama and it won't be long Last Line: You get a call before down : wake up and try to do your best Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT WOULDN'T BE SO HARD, by WHISTLIN' ALEX MOORE Poem Source First Line: I get up early every morning : to toil the whole day through Last Line: I don't know that she loves me : but still she calls me her southpaw Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S A CRYING PITY, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: It's a crying pity : a lowdown dirty shame Last Line: Because you going with the man : that lives right in my neighborhood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S A FIGHT LIKE THAT, by ROBERT COOKSEY Poem Source First Line: Now right is right : wrong is wrong Last Line: You see women : give money to men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S A GOOD LITTLE THING, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Look a-here mama : just a word or two Last Line: She gets kissing : like a shaggy dog Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S A GOOD THING, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now when I was young Last Line: But all the darn women : got more than one Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S A NEW KIND OF DAY, by KALI GROSVENOR Poem Source Last Line: This love. Lord we love %too much Subject(s): African Americans IT'S A PAIN TO ME, by LONNIE CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I've had a funny feeling : all day and all night Last Line: Get well away from home : then it will roll across your mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S ALL OVER NOW, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: When I had you baby : you wouldn't act right Last Line: I looked for you baby : you could not be found Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S ALL THE SAME, by THADIOUS M. DAVIS Poem Source First Line: My grandmamma %don't believe they walked in space Last Line: Tell the gospel truth, rev Subject(s): African Americans - Women IT'S COLD IN CHINA BLUES, by UNKNOWN+210 Poem Source First Line: So cold in china : birds can't hardly sing Last Line: Quit being so reckless : be my baby child Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S HARD TIME, by JOE STONE Poem Source First Line: And it's hard time here : hard time everywhere Last Line: She don't call so lonesome : but she calls *my name* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S HARD TO BE MISTREATED, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Well it's hard to be mistreated : when you ain't done nothing wrong Last Line: But every man I love : don't seem like he want to pay me no mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S HARD TO PLEASE MY MAN, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: You keep me thinking : and wondering all the time Last Line: Soon as I get cold in hand : you be ready to kick me out Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S HEATED, by FRANKIE HALF PINT JAXON Poem Source First Line: Folks I'm going to tell you : about a brand new song Last Line: But I can keep your boiler hot : till the superintendent come Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S NATION TIME, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Time to get / together Last Line: It's nation / time! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks IT'S NATION TIME, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Time to get %together Last Line: It's nation %time! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism IT'S RED HOT, by MADLYN DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Now you talk about rags : boys but you ought to hear mine Last Line: Now blow it boys : you know it's just too bad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S SWEET LIKE SO, by TEDDY BUNN Poem Source First Line: Three pickaninnies : eating sugar-cane Last Line: *black hair* : *for my prejudice* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S TIGHT LIKE THAT, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: Listen here folks : I'm going to sing a little song Last Line: We was seeing a film : when they broke it off Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) IT'S TOO SHORT, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Now I'm down and out : ain't got no friends around Last Line: I'm just a little skinny fellow : and a player is strong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) J. C. JOHNSON'S BLUES, by T. C. JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I was born in the state : of old arkansas Last Line: For he's the bootlegging fellow : your *turkey* sure can swing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) J. HARRINGTON, GOOD/MAN, MISSISSIPPI'S SON, by A. WANJIKU REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: I think about him Last Line: All he can ever be %and no more Subject(s): African Americans J.C. HOLMES BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Listen people : if you want to hear Last Line: I been mistreated : and I don't mind dying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JACK AND DINAH WANT FREEDOM, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole aunt dinah, she's jes lak me Last Line: De nex' day de hide drap off'n yo' back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music JACK AND DINAH WANT FREEDOM (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole aunt dinah, she's jes lak me Last Line: De nex' day de hipe drap off'n yo' back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JACK AND JILL BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now the sun going to shine : in my back door some day Last Line: Now me and my baby : was playing old jack and jill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JACK O'DIAMONDS BLUES, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: Jack of diamonds : you appear to be my friend Last Line: He would play dice and cards : and his game was old cooncan Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JACKSON, PUT THAT KETTLE ON!, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' he sho' gits his po'tion: son Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JACKSONVILLE BLUES, by NELLIE FLORENCE Poem Source First Line: Let me be your wiggler : until your wobbler come Last Line: But the man I'm loving : lives down in jacksonville Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JACKSONVILLE--PART 2, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to write you a letter : my wife and I ain't going to do right no more Last Line: Lord I'm going down the country : let you have mr so-and-so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAIL BREAK BLUES, by UNKNOWN+217 Poem Source First Line: The rising sun : will never catch me here Last Line: Get me some cold-hearted man : I'm jailhouse bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAIL HOUSE BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: When I was lying in jail : with my back turned to the wall Last Line: I believe I'll lay down : take morphine and die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAIL HOUSE BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: Oh look like : I can see trouble in the air Last Line: When I come back here woman : you going to have me some more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAIL-HOUSE BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Thirty days in jail : with my back turned to the wall Last Line: Say I just come here : to have a few words with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAILHOUSE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I was sitting in jail : with my eyes all full of tears Last Line: Now you ought need not feel uneasy : you won't have to take this workhouse advice Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAILHOUSE FIRE BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: Hey mr jailor : don't sleep so sound Last Line: *and hey* mr jailor : I hope the jailhouse burns down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He sits on a hill Last Line: That will never be Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JAKE IS THE BEST DAMN CAP'N IN THE WORLD, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Women JAKE LEG BLUES, by WILLIE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: I say jake leg jake leg jake leg : tell me what in the world you going to do Last Line: Because he done drunk so much jake oh lord : till they got the *lemon leg* too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAM SESSION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Letting midnight / out on bail Last Line: Pop-a-da Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks JAMES ALLEY BLUES, by RICHARD RABBIT BROWN Poem Source First Line: Times ain't now : nothing like they used to be Last Line: Then another time I think : you ought to be buried alive Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAMES BALDWIN, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: Fire in the city and malcolm Last Line: Out like a harlem full of anger %fire make me a world this time Subject(s): African Americans; Baldwin, James (1924-1987); Social Protest; Writing And Writers JANIS, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sand evy'where over Last Line: She' glad Subject(s): African Americans - Women JANITOR (CIRCA 1940), by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Alone in the cellar Last Line: Rode his dragon across the night Subject(s): African Americans JANUARY AFTERNOON, WITH BILLIE HOLIDAY, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her voice shifts as if it were light Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Songs JANUARY AFTERNOON, WITH BILLIE HOLIDAY, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her voice shifts as if it were light Last Line: Tomorrow is something she remembers Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers JASPER'S GAL, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: How he's got a gal : she's shaped like a hog Last Line: And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAWBONE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Samson, shout! Samson, moan! Last Line: Jawbone, kill dat wicked thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JAYBIRD (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De jaybird jump from lim' to lim' Last Line: Ole friday devil,' fare - you -well Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JAYBIRD DIED WITH THE WHOOPING COUGH (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De jaybird died wid de whoopin' cough Last Line: Dat fiddle an' bow jes make 'em fly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JAZZ, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: From storyville, vaudeville, caberets, and tonks Last Line: One mo' time! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians JAZZ BAND IN A PARISIAN CABARET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Play that thing Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JAZZ BEGINNINGS, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of jazz Last Line: I watch the birth of. %jazz Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music JAZZ GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jazz? %remember that song Last Line: Buy a drink for me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JAZZBO BROWN FROM MEMPHIS TOWN, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Don't you start no crowing : lay your money down Last Line: There ain't nothing on that horn : that old jazz can't do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JAZZONIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, silver tree! Last Line: Six long-headed jazzers play. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks JAZZTET MUTED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the negroes of the quarter Last Line: Help me, yardbird! %help me! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JEALOUS HEARTED BLUES, by CHARLEY LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: You can have my money : all I own Last Line: If I catch you with a man : going to be too tight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JEALOUS HEARTED BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: You can have my money : everything I own Last Line: To keep my man : from making his midnight creep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JEALOUS MAMA BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I got the blues : blue as blue can be Last Line: If you take my man : sure going to wake up dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JEFFERSON COUNTY BLUES, by SAM BUTLER Poem Source First Line: If you wants your man : keep him out of birmingham Last Line: Because I'm going up the country : mama how bad *I feel* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JELLY ROLL MILL, by EITHEL SMITH Poem Source First Line: I sold some jelly : to a man named will Last Line: If you have to have jelly : you won't have to steal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JELLY ROLL MORTON, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: Winin' boy Last Line: Lord jelly, oh mister jazz king, %you salty dog Subject(s): African Americans; Morton, Jelly Roll (1885-1941) JELLYROLL, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I went to the gypsy : get my fortune told Last Line: I'm going to the river : I'm going to jump overboard and drown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JENNY'S BALL, by MAMIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: There's a man in town : who's called the ladies' lover now Last Line: There'll be no preachers : at miss jenny's ball Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JEREMIAD, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We drink the bitter cup - we do not wail Last Line: And grow stronger Subject(s): African Americans JERSEY BULL BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: If you got a good bullcow : you ought to keep your bull bull at home Last Line: I were way upstairs : throwing myself away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JES' TAKE MY ADVICE, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Jes' a little sunshine, jes' a little rain Last Line: Jes' sech little tings as dat got dis coon in jail. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans - History; Black Heritage JESSE JAMES BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I wonder if you going to mistreat me woman : good as I have been to you Last Line: Because this is jesse james : and you should not tell him a lie Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JESTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In one hand %I hold tragedy Last Line: Once I was wise. %shall I be wise again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JESUS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Until the crumpts and the christians Last Line: Toward the mines of sugar cane Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JESUS NEVUH COME IN THE MORNIN', by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED OR: IT MUST BE DEEP (AN EPIC POEM), by CAROLYN M. RODGERS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was sick Last Line: Catch yuh later on jesus, I mean motha! %it must be %deeeeep Subject(s): African Americans - Women JIG HEAD BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I stay drunk so much : I can't tell night from day Last Line: Because I drink so much : I can't hardly see Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JIM CROW'S LAST STAND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was an old crow by the name of jim Last Line: We gonna bury that son-of-a-gun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JIM JACKSON'S JAMBOREE--PART I, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: Nobody knows : old memphis like I do Last Line: Don't bring her to memphis : jim jackson will take them away from you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JIM STRAINER, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Oh jim strainer told lula : on a friday night Last Line: Jim strainer killed poor lula : I'm booked out and bound to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JIM TAMPA BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Hey jim tampa : you treat your women so mean Last Line: Give a gander the way : jim tampa used to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JITNEY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Corners %of south parkway Last Line: 31st %hey! %cab! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JIVE ME BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: You can jive me baby : but I don't believe a thing you say Last Line: You can tell by that : I won't be here long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JOE AND MALINDA JANE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole joe jes swore upon 'is life Last Line: Nex' day she die wid de whoopin' cough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOE FOWLER BLUES, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Lawd, lawd, semms lak I heerd the joe fowler Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOE LOUIS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They worshipped joe Last Line: But the gossips had no %'the say' %to latch onto %for joe Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Boxing And Boxers; Louis, Joe (1914-1981); Sports JOE LOUIS, by NUBIA KAI Poem Source First Line: Golden gloves melt on the hot sands Last Line: For us he lives in the silent wind catching snakes Subject(s): African Americans; Boxing And Boxers; Detroit, Michigan; Louis, Joe (1914-1981); Sports JOE LOUIS (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Joe louis is a man Last Line: Too little' or 'too late.' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JOE LOUIS AND JOHN HENRY, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Well well I was sitting in madison square gardens : now to justwatch the big fi Last Line: Well well and I bet my fifty cents on joe : ooo well in no time I won my fifty cents back again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JOE LOUIS BLUES, by CARL MARTIN Poem Source First Line: Now listen all you prize fighters : who don't want to meet defeat Last Line: Take a tip from me : stay off joe louis' beat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JOHANNESBURG MINES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the johannesburg mines Last Line: Working in the %johannesburg mines Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JOHN BROWN; MEMORIAL TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been to palestine Last Line: Old john brown. Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel Subject(s): Abolitionists; African Americans; Brown, John (1800-1859); Consolation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs JOHN GILBERT, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: John gilbert is the boat, di de oh, di de oh, john Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOHN HENRY (1), by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: When john henry was a little fellow Last Line: "that he was an east virginia man, / lord, lord, an east virginia man" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music JOHN HENRY (2), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: When john henry was a baby Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOHN HENRY (4), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: John henry, he wus a steel-drivin' man Last Line: To de place whar her steel-drivin' man fell dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOHN HENRY (6), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: John henry was a li'l baby, uh-huh Last Line: Lawd, lawd, dere lays a steel-drivin' man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music JOHN HENRY (7), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: John henry was a little baby Last Line: An' I don't need no man, %lawd, lawd, an' I don't need no man Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOHNNY BIGFOOT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Run brudder, tell de news Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOHNNY COME DOWN DE HOLLOW, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Boys, good-bye forever! %oh hollow! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOHNNY KEEP PICKIN' ON THE BANJO (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Rain forty days and rain forty nights Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JOLIET BOUND, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: How these police coming : with his ball and chain Last Line: Now I done got on that dock : and I'm joliet bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Joliet, Illinois; Prisons And Prisoners JOMO, by J. ANTHONY STOWERS Poem Source First Line: Upon the ghetto face I see Last Line: They fell by vengeants' hands %and died Subject(s): African Americans JONAH'S BAND PARTY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Setch a kickin' up san'! Joanah's ban Last Line: Dat nigger don't know how to coonjaint Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JONATHAN'S SONG, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a part of this Last Line: Take me while you can Subject(s): African Americans JOSHING, by ALFRED L. WOODS Poem Source First Line: When joe louis knocked out schmeling Last Line: Jackie robinson %can you hit another ball Subject(s): African Americans; Baseball; Boxing And Boxers; Louis, Joe (1914-1981); Robinson, Jackie (1919-1972); Sports; Stock Exchange JOURNAL: PART 4. 3-17-70, by GAYL JONES Poem Source First Line: She said the jehovah witness man Last Line: They're all crooked Subject(s): African Americans - Women JOY, by CLARISSA SCOTT DELANY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Joy shakes me like the wind that lifts a sail Last Line: Bewildered. Subject(s): African Americans - Women JOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to look for joy Last Line: Such company, such company, %as keeps this young nymph, joy! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUBA, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Juba dis, an' juba dat Last Line: Juba do dat long dog stratch. Juba! Juba! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JUDGE BUZZARD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere sets jedge buzzard on de bench Last Line: Knock him off wid dat monkey wrench Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JUDGE HARSH BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: Good morning judge : what may be my fine Last Line: Lots of people had justice : and been in penitentiary too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JUDGE WILLIAM HASTIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now you take %this bill hastie guy Last Line: And neither do I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUDGMENT DAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They put ma body in the ground Last Line: In the sweet o' ma lord's sight - clean an' bright, %clean an' bright Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUICE JOINT: NORTHERN CITY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is a gin mill on the avenue Last Line: Dance in this juice joint %on the city street Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUICY-FRUIT LOVE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: My mouth was Last Line: No hope for me now Subject(s): African Americans; Love JUKE BOX LOVE SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could take the harlem night Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Love; Singing & Singers; Negroes; American Blacks; Songs JUKE BOX LOVE SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could take the harlem night Last Line: Dance with you, my sweet brown harlem girl Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Love; Singing And Singers JULIET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonder %and pain %and terror Last Line: To montova %is dusty %with the drought Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUMP JIM CROW, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Git fus upon yo heel Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs JUMP STEADY DADDY, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Jump steady daddy : please take your time Last Line: And the way he jumps steady : it's just too bad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JUMPIN' AND SHOUTIN' BLUES, by GARFIELD AKERS Poem Source First Line: Lord I know my baby: sure going to jump and shout Last Line: Says I know it's something: gal it aint no use Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JUMPIN' BLUES, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Squares out there dancing Last Line: They can rub and twirl Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) JUNE SONG, SELS., by CHARLOTTE L. FORTEN GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How shall we crown her bright young head? Last Line: Shall ne'er be seen %than our lovely, laughing june Subject(s): African Americans - Women JUNGLE MAN BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me Last Line: Because ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JUNIOR ADDICT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The little boy %who sticks a needle in his arm Last Line: Sunrise, please come! %come! Come! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUST AN ORDINARY GUY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He's just an ordinary guy Last Line: But you'll never beat us, hitler -- %not us ordinary guys Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans JUST FRIENDS, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Came once, addie told me Last Line: I was the apple %of their eye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) JUST LOVE, by KAREN HALLIBURTON Poem Source First Line: Love, just love Last Line: What do you do %love, just love Subject(s): African Americans JUST ROCKIN', by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: Rocking : rocking myself to sleep Last Line: I'm going to rock right here : until the break of day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JUST THIS DAY, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Just this day, white winter Last Line: The beautiful ones %are still among us Subject(s): African Americans; Exiles; Freedom; Protest, Social; Writing And Writers JUST WANT TO TALK AWHILE, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Now I walked over to the table : and I picked up my telephone Last Line: Lord I wonder is she listening : and won't even answer me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) JUSTICE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That justice is a blind goddess Last Line: That once perhaps were eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans K.C. MOAN, by TEWEE BLACKMAN Poem Source First Line: I thought I heard that k c : when she blowed Last Line: Going to love my baby : like I never loved before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) K.C. RAILROAD BLUES, by JIM BAXTER Poem Source First Line: Thought I heard : old k.C. When it blowed Last Line: I'm going to talk : to that brown of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A closed window looks down Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A closed window looks down Last Line: Return, destroy, and create. What will be %the sacred words Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations KAMALI'S ANGEL, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I saw an angel %in a bubble I blew Last Line: I would be sad %forever Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels KANSAS CITY BLUES, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Boy I got three high yellows : one black and brown Last Line: Your hair's all wrinkled : that they beating you right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KANSAS CITY MAN BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Soon I will be : kansas city bound Last Line: It's all on account of : taking one woman's man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KANSAS CITY PAPA, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I'm going to kansas city : I'm going to lower my line Last Line: I tell you about the troubles : that your sister had Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KATE ADAMS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Oh, I thought I heard the kate adams when she blowed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KATIE AN' THE JIM LEE HAD A LITTLE RACE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KATIE AN' THE JIM LEE HAD A RACE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KATUMWBE, by MAKETA GROVES Poem Source First Line: Maketa, name from my father Last Line: I have named us, father Subject(s): African Americans KATY FLY, by ELIJAH JONES Poem Source First Line: I was standing at the station : wondering what train boys must I ride Last Line: Now every time I get to studying about my sweet woman : boys I can hardly keep from crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KATY MAE BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Katy mae's a good-looking woman now : but she stays out all night long Last Line: Katy mae won't do nothing : oh but walk the road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEEP IT CLEAN, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: I went to the river : couldn't get across Last Line: See what's the matter : with his yas yas yas Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEEP IT CLEAN--NO. 2, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: I runned to the river : runned so fast Last Line: Every time you see me : you looking for some soap Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF HER, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Boy she strictly tailor-made : boy she ain't no hand-me-down Last Line: Because the day I catch you with her : boy that's the day you're going to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEEP YOUR WINDOWS PINNED, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Keep your back door locked : baby keeps your windows pinned Last Line: And I think it's time for me : to make my get-away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEF 24, by HENRY DUMAS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lay sixteen bales down in front on the plank Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry KELLY'S 44 BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Lord I say good morning mr pawnshop man : as I walked in his door Last Line: Before I'll be mistreated : I'm going to shoot my forty-four Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KENTUCKY BLUES, by BIG BOY GEORGE OWENS Poem Source First Line: I'm worried today : lord and I'm worried in mind Last Line: I woke up this morning : baby and feeling bad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEPT BUSY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jes as soon as de sun go down Last Line: An' my head go 'whirly-gig' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KEVIN OF THE N. E. CREW, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the bus I see graffiti Last Line: Weed fence pole split / kevin Subject(s): African Americans – Children KEY TO THE HIGHWAY, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I got the key to the highway : billed out and ready to go Last Line: I'm going to roam this highway : until the day I die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEY TO THE HIGHWAY, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: I'm going to ask the good lord : what evil have I done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEY TO THE MOUNTAIN BLUES, by MARY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key Last Line: Oh my man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KEYHOLE BLUES, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Well I followed my woman : to a place she didn't want me to be Last Line: And I seen something : that I did not want to see Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KID IN THE PARK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lonely little question mark Last Line: There %but not really anywere Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans KID MAN BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now my [old] heart is ticking : just like a clock up on the wall Last Line: When I go away to leave you : I will stop by to see you sometime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KID MAN BLUES, by BERTHA CHIPPIE HILL Poem Source First Line: Papa papa : something's going on wrong Last Line: My kid-man don't want nobody : to talk to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KID MAN BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Baby when I was all down and out : you just could not be found Last Line: I am ??? : so don't bring your blues to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KID SLEEPY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen, kid sleepy, %don't you want to run around Last Line: Kid sleepy, just %stay here? %rather just %stay here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans KID STUFF, by FRANK HORNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The wise guys Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The KID STUFF, by FRANK HORNE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The wise guys Last Line: In the hope %that we can get back %some of that %kid stuff %born two thousand years ago Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas KIDS IN SCHOOL WITH ME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I studied my a-b-c's Last Line: The kids in school with me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans KIDS WHO DIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is for the kids who die Last Line: Through the kids who die Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans KIN, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity KIND HEARTED WOMAN BLUES (VERSION 1), by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I got a kind-hearted woman : do anything in this world for me Last Line: You have to kill me : just to have it on your mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KIND HEARTED WOMAN BLUES (VERSION 2), by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I got a kind-hearted woman : do anything in this world for me Last Line: I can't give any more of my loving : because I just ain't satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KIND MAMA, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: She's a real kind mama : looking for another man Last Line: Think my baby : trying to eagle rock Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KIND OF MAN HE IS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The look of him Last Line: Which is %the kind of man he is Subject(s): African Americans KING OF SPADES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I'm the king of spades : and the women takes on over me Last Line: Then again I will scratch for you little mama : ooo well well like a rooster scratch for a hen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KING SPIDER BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Let me be your king spider : I want to build my web on your wall Last Line: And now the way that I feel this morning : ooo well really now I got to ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KING: APRIL 4, 1968, by GERALD WILLIAM BARRAX Poem Source First Line: When I was a child Last Line: Though my stomach is still in alabama pig %pens Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) KINGFISH BLUES, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: Little minnows in the river : kingfish in the deep blue sea Last Line: That's why so many women : crying those kingfish blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KISS REQUESTED, by EDA LOU WALTON Poem Source First Line: Kiss me good night Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women KISSIE LEE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Toughest gal I ever did see Last Line: And she died with her boots on switching blades %on talladega mountain in the likker raids Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Revenge KISSING SONG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: A sleish o' breadan' butter fried Last Line: Caze I'se gwine away to leave you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KITCHENETTE BUILDING, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan Last Line: We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks KITTY WITH A LONELY EYE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: He went down to this cabin do' Last Line: Johnny make kitty ki o Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KNEEL ON THIS CARPET, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jes choose yo' eas'; jes choose yo wes' Last Line: An' den rise up upon yo' feet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs KNOCKIN' MYSELF OUT, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: Listen girls and boys : I've got one stick Last Line: But it's the only thing : ease my heart about my man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KNOWING, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: We furthest away from our african mother Last Line: Our differences are our blessings Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Culture Conflict; Ethnic Identity; Women KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I always like summer / best Last Line: And sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Appalachia; Family Life; Knoxville, Tennessee; Summer; United States; Women; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America KO-KO-MO BLUES, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: Now my first love is in texas : my [next one, second] lives in kokomo Last Line: And you know : that you have I say done me wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KOKOMO BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: Mmm : baby don't you want to go Last Line: My train is ready : and I'm going to kokomo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) KU KLUX, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They took me out Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Ku Klux Klan; Negroes; American Blacks KU KLUX, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They took me out Last Line: Look me in face %and tell me you believe in %the great white race Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Ku Klux Klan KYLE'S WORRIED BLUES, by CHARLIE KYLE Poem Source First Line: I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long Last Line: I saw two little monkeys : doing the monkey jellyroll Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) L AND N BLUES, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: The l and n is a fast train : also that I n c n Last Line: When she left me good people : she rode that l and n Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LABOR BLUES, by TOM DICKSON Poem Source First Line: Said good morning captain : said good morning shine Last Line: For your shoes unfastened : and your skirt don't fit you right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LABOR STORM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now it is time %for the strike-breakers to come out Last Line: Workers beware! %it's almost %here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LADDERS, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Filene's department store Last Line: Monkey? Girl? Answer me Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Department Stores LADY IN CABARET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She knows %the end of the evening will come Last Line: Just that much more %a bore Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LADY'S BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: See that lady / dressed so fine? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LADY'S BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: See that lady %dressed so fine? Last Line: Way up in the treble %the tingle of a tear. %be-bach! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LADY'S DAYS, by LARRY NEAL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: More song. Birds follow the sun Last Line: Reason for towns, faces, moans ... Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers LADY, LADY, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lady, lady, I saw your face Last Line: Where the good god sits to spangle through. Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans - Women LADY, YOUR CLOCK AIN'T RIGHT, by KI KI JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Every man that comes to see you : in this neighborhood Last Line: It used to be on the *centre* : close to your back door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAMENT FOR DARK PEOPLES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was a red man one time Last Line: Now I herd with the many -- %caged in the circus of civilization Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LAMENT OF A VANQUISHED BEAU, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Willy is a silly boy Last Line: That I 'most ever had Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LAMENT OVER LOVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hope my child'll %never love a man Last Line: Gonna think about my man -- %and let my fool-self fall Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LANE IS THE PRETTY ONE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her veins run mogen david Last Line: Love %dear sister Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Sisters LANGSTON HIGH SCHOOL, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Dear son, %my school was doing well until three weeks ago Last Line: Hope you will continue to do well. %your father, %frank c. Long Subject(s): African Americans LAPLEGGED DRUNK AGAIN, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I've been drinking all night long : I've started again today Last Line: Love will drive you to many places : sometimes where you don't belong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST AFFAIR: BESSIE'S BLUES SONG, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Disarticulated / arm torn out Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Singing & Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937); Songs LAST AFFAIR: BESSIE'S BLUES SONG, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Disarticulated %arm torn out Last Line: I'm not the same as I used to be %this is my last affair Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) LAST CALL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I look out into the yonder Last Line: Still I call you now. %I'm game Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LAST CHANCE BLUES, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: I said hey baby : I give you your last chance Last Line: I done everything baby : can't get along with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST CHANCE BLUES, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: I said hey mama : I'll give you your last chance Last Line: I begun ??? *to worry* : that's just what I should Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST DIME BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I once have had money : but now I'm down to my last dime Last Line: Well now don't be no fool : ooo well well and give it to her all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST FAIR DEAL GONE DOWN, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If you cry about a nickel : you die about a dime Last Line: She wouldn't cry : but the money ain't mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST GO ROUND, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Hey listen at me mama : don't be all night Last Line: And she treats me nice : around her house Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST MAN LIVING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the last man living Last Line: Cause I don't want no jive Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LAST MINUTE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Minutes seem like hours : hours seem like days Last Line: Tell them you don't know the writer : but ma rainey put it on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAST NIGHT, by ETHEL M. CAUTION Poem Source First Line: Last night I danced on the rim of the moon Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women LAST NOTE TO MY GIRLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My girls / my girls Last Line: My girls my more than me Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Girls LAST NOTE TO MY GIRLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My girls %my girls Last Line: My girls %my more than me Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Girls LAST OF JACK (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a liddle dog, his name wus jack Last Line: An' dat wus de las' o' poor liddle jack Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LAST PRICE OF THE EAST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Futile of me to offer you my hand Last Line: Before you are king %he'll come to town Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LAST QUATRAIN OF THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After the murder, %after the burial Last Line: Chaos in windy grays %through a red prairie Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Lynching; Till, Emmett (1941-1955) LAST TIME BLUES, by CHARLIE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Babe just as sure as a blackbird : flies in the skies above Last Line: It may be my last time baby : knocking on your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LATE CORNER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The street light %on its lonely arm Last Line: Oh, lonely light! %oh, lonely cross! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LATE LAST NIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: So I was cryin' %on account of %you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LATE ONE NIGHT I WUZ MAKIN' MY ROUN', OVERTOOK, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LAUGH AND GRIN BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now when you happy mama : everybody smiles with you Last Line: Says you need not ask for no small favors : just go ahead laugh and grin Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAUGHERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dream-singers, %story-tellers Last Line: Loud-mouthed laughers in hands of fate Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LAW GONNA STEP ON YOU, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I done told you told you : I told you too Last Line: You better draw : your business in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAWD, DESE COLORED CHILLUM, by RUBY C. SAUNDERS Poem Source First Line: I get my degree Last Line: Lawd, dese chillum won't let you be %white for nothing Subject(s): African Americans - Women LAWDY LAWDY WORRIED BLUES, by BLIND DARBY Poem Source First Line: What's on your worried mind Last Line: You're the only woman : can give my poor poor heart ease Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAWYER CLARK BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now got offices in town : resident out on *sentry* road Last Line: He the first man that proved : that water run upstream Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAZY MAN BLUES, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: Wake up man : see how bright the sun does shine Last Line: Because you's the laziest man : that I ever had Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LAZY WOMAN'S BLUES, by BLANCHE CALLOWAY Poem Source First Line: A lot of these women : too lazy to put up with none of good man's dirt Last Line: But the truth *is* ??? : and I surely have to carry it on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEAD HEARTED BLUES, by BERTHA HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: Baby baby : I am so lonesome for you Last Line: Blues is driving me crazy : must be reaping what I sow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEADBELLY, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: Was arrested for %hard, hard living Last Line: Sorry you ever %was born Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music LEADBELLY GIVES AN AUTOGRAPH, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pat your foot / and turn the corner. Nat turner, dying wood Last Line: Burned to death / in south carolina Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ledbetter, Huddie [leadbelly] (1888-1949); Negroes; American Blacks LEADBELLY GIVES AN AUTOGRAPH, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pat your foot %and turn the corner. Nat turner, dying wood Last Line: Burned to death %in south carolina Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism LEAGUE OF DEFENSE, by MELBA JOYCE BOYD Poem Source First Line: When revolutionaries %are sent Last Line: Before our sentence %is passed Subject(s): African Americans LEARN TO COUNT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Naught's a naught Last Line: You hain't got no money Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music LEARNED NEGRO, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: There was a negro preacher, I have heard Last Line: Our whole theology will be upsot Subject(s): African Americans; Clergy LEARNING TO COUNT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Naught's a naught Last Line: You hain't got no money Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LEARNING TO READ, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Very soon the yankee teachers / came down and set up school Last Line: As the queen upon her throne. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Americans; Bible; Schools; Slavery; Southern States; United States; Students; Serfs; South (u.s.); America LEAVE MY MAN ALONE, by JANE LUCAS Poem Source First Line: Didn't get this man : for nobody else Last Line: Mama I'm going to : kill you dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEAVENWORTH PRISON BLUES, by BO JONES Poem Source First Line: I ain't go no money : nobody will loan me none Last Line: Says I done killed my rider : and I got them leavenworth blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEAVIN' HOME, by WILLIE REED Poem Source First Line: I'm going to leave you : leaving some old day Last Line: Girl that's the very reason : I'm bound to jail today Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEAVIN' TOWN BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Now I tell you mama : now I'm sure going to leave this town Last Line: I can't live over here mama : a long way from my home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEAVING HOME BLUES, by WALTER RHODES Poem Source First Line: Well I dreamt a dream : I never dreamt before Last Line: Well the life you're living : honey'll be the death of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEAVING TOWN BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: Now I'm leaving town baby : because you know you treats me wrong Last Line: And I won't be dead : baby but I ain't coming here no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LECTRIC CHAIR BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I walked to the jail with my partner : asked him how come he's here Last Line: There wasn't no blood left in my heart : and they brought my electrocuted daddy to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEDA 2: A NOTE ON VISITATIONS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes another star chooses Last Line: Is the only shining thing. Subject(s): African Americans; Guests; Leda; Mythology - Classical; Negroes; American Blacks; Visiting LEDA: 1, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is nothing luminous Last Line: Fucking god fucking me. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Curses; Leda; Mythology - Classical; Black Heritage LEE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother's people Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers; Generals; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); Slavery; Southern States; Virginia (state); Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) LEE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother's people Last Line: Chaining his mother to lee Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers; Generals; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); Slavery; Southern States; Virginia (state) LEFT ALONE BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: I said the woman I'm loving : caught the train and gone Last Line: Mama sure as I told you : I fall down on my knees Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEGACIES, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her grandmother called her from the playground Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers LEGACIES, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her grandmother called her from the playground Last Line: Said what they meant %and I guess nobody ever does Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LEGACY: MY SOUTH, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What desperate nightmare rapts me to this land Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) LEGACY: MY SOUTH, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: What desperate nightmare rapts me to this land Last Line: Famished upon the plow, and overhead %a lean bird circles Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States LEMON'S WORRIED BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tell you why : I got lemon's lowdown worried blues Last Line: His man better watch his footsteps for the hen : now doggone his ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEND ME YOUR LOVE, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now lend me your love : baby please lend me your love Last Line: But some day I'm going to find another woman : is going to buy your love mortgage out Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LENIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lenin walks around the world Last Line: There rises a red star Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LENOX AVENUE BAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Weaving %between assorted terrors Last Line: In this neon place Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LENOX AVENUE: MIDNIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The rhythm of life %is a jazz rhythm Last Line: Midnight, %and the gods are laughing at us Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LEROY, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wanted to know my mother when she sat Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks LEROY, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wanted to know my mother when she sat Last Line: Useful parts, the sweet meat of my feelings. And leave %the bitter bullshit rotten white parts %alon Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism LESSON, by HUMBERT WOLFE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It was 1963 or 4, summer Last Line: With him, I kept thinking, fixed against noise %from the dark Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Fathers LESSONS FROM A MIRROR, by THYLIAS MOSS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Snow white was nude at her wedding, she's so white Last Line: Know that more than white is missing Subject(s): African Americans - Women LESSONS FROM A MIRROR, by THYLIAS MOSS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Snow white was nude at her wedding, she's so white Last Line: When you look at me, %know that more than white is missing Subject(s): African Americans - Women LET AMERICA BE AMERICA AGAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: All, all the stretch of these great green states - %and make america again! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement; Freedom LET HER GO, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I have never been worried : like I'm worried today Last Line: I did not think my baby : would go out and stay all night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET ME IN YOUR SADDLE, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: You is built for speed : and fast just like twenty grand Last Line: I'm a good jockey rider : and I don't stay there too long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET ME PLAY YOUR VENDOR, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: First time I heard your music : I was just sixteen Last Line: I can't play it right now : I'll play it later on tonight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET ME ROLL YOUR LEMON, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now listen here sweet baby : I never have been down Last Line: I want to roll your lemon baby : just before I go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET ME SQUEEZE YOUR LEMON, by CHARLIE PICKETT Poem Source First Line: Now you got fruit on your tree : lemons on your shelf Last Line: Will you let me tell you baby : what it was all about Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET YOU MONEY TALK, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Let your money talk let your money talk : let your money talk let your money ta Last Line: Don't stand around looking cute : and on a bum Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET YOUR LOVE COME DOWN, by BERTHA HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: Let's get our gauge up papa : let our love come down Last Line: Can't get my gauge up : and let my love come down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET'S GET DRUNK AGAIN, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Baby I got the whiskey : and you got the gin Last Line: Since you don't hold back baby : honey in rubbing with me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET'S GO RIDING, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: Now come on girl : let's go out and have some fun Last Line: I want you to go out riding with me : and have a good time today Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET'S HAVE A NEW DEAL, by CARL MARTIN Poem Source First Line: Now everybody's crying : let's have a new deal Last Line: I'm sitting right here : waiting on that brand new deal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LET'S MARRY' COURTSHIP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh miss lizie, how I loves you Last Line: Let's git married if dey say 'not' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LETTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear mama, %time I pay rent and get my food Last Line: Your son baby %respectably as ever, %joe Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LETTER FROM SPAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear brother at home: %we captured a wounded moor today Last Line: And he didn't understand. %salud, %johnny Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) LETTER TO ANNE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since I left you, anne Last Line: Have I seen anything else but you, %anne Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LETTER TO MY SISTER, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It is dangerous for a woman to defy the gods Last Line: The gods their god-like fun. Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks LETTER TO THE ACADEMY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The gentlemen who have got to be classics and are now old Last Line: We want to know what in the hell you'd say? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Revolutions LETTERS FROM A NEW ENGLAND NEGRO, by SHERLEY ANNE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: And every memner rejoiced Last Line: Waiting is upon myself Subject(s): African Americans LEVEE BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Down in the levee : camp number nine Last Line: Just to cure to blues : the blues of the leveecamp girl Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEVEE BOUND BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: I had a brown in my town : sweet as any gal could be Last Line: I feel like leaving : if it takes me all night long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEVEE CAMP BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Says I worked in a leveecamp : just about a month ago Last Line: I'm going to keep on winding : because I'm the best old winder in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEVEE CAMP MOAN, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I am sorry : that I can't take you Last Line: Going back to the one I love : and acknowledge that I done wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LEVEE CAMP MOAN BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Lord they accused me of murder: I haven't harmed a man Last Line: Oh if she don't come on the big boat: she better not land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LIARS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is we who are liars Last Line: It is we with the civilized souls who are liars Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LIBATIONARY CHANT-PRAYER FOR MALCOLM AND HIS SACRED AUTOBI, by JR. LOUIS C. YOUNG Poem Source First Line: Ancestor malcolm Last Line: Please accept this %offering Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) LIBERTY AND PEACE, A POEM, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lo! Freedom comes. The prescient muse foretold Last Line: And heavenly freedom spread her golden ray. Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Freedom; Love - Loss Of; Mortality; Liberty LIFE IS FINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went down to the river Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LIFE IS FINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went down to the river Last Line: I'll be dogged, sweet baby, %if you gonna see me die %life is fine! %fine as wine! %life is fine! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LIFE IS JUST A BOOK, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Life is just a book : every day is a brand new page Last Line: Standing around : depending on the w p a Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LIFE OF LINCOLN WEST, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ugliest little boy Last Line: It comforted him Subject(s): African Americans - Children LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The trees paint their reflections Last Line: In a little yellow book Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Mississippi River; African Americans; Relatives LIFE SAVDR BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It's raining and storming on the sea : we're miles and miles from shore Last Line: We say we live in new york city : red white and blues brought us all the way through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LIGHT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Mine already is %an afrikan name Subject(s): African Americans - Women; U.s. - Race Relations; Virginia (state) LIKE A PHOENIX, by SIBYL RAE COLLINS Poem Source First Line: You are a %wonder Last Line: Like a phoenix %you'll rise Subject(s): African Americans LIKE DECORATIONS IN A NIGGER CEMETERY, by WALLACE STEVENS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the far south the sun of autum is passing Subject(s): African Americans; Cemeteries; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Graveyards; South (u.s.) LIKE DECORATIONS IN A NIGGER CEMETERY, by WALLACE STEVENS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the far south the sun of autum is passing Last Line: One of the leaves that have fallen in autumn? %but the wise man avenges by building his city in snow Subject(s): African Americans; Cemeteries; Southern States LIKES AND DISLIKES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I sho' loves miss donie! Oh, yes, I do Last Line: An' she laks to pout Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Likes And Dislikes LIKEWISE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The jews: %groceries %suits %fruits %watches Last Line: Sometimes I think %jews must have heard %the music of a %dream deferred Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jews LILL' ANGELS, by BEATRICE WITTE RAVENEL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mammy rocks the baby Last Line: Se . . . Ebbenty-t'ree. . . . Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LILY KIMBALL BLUES, by SAM TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: Tell me lilly kimball : what did you do to me Last Line: Take me back lilly : I'll be a different man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LIMEN, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All day I've listened to the industry Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping; Nature; Trees LIMEN, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All day I've listened to the industry Last Line: Tireless, making the green hearts flutter Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping; Nature; Trees LINCOLN MONUMENT: WASHINGTON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let's go see old abe Last Line: Of time -- %old abe Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.c. LINCOLN THEATRE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The head of lincoln looks down from the wall Last Line: Press hands together, laughing at her song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LINCOLN UNIVERSITY: 1954, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the dream grown young Last Line: Brightly burning Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LINEAGE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandmothers were strong Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Alphabet Verse; Ancestors & Ancestry; Women; Estrangement; Outcasts; Heritage; Heredity LINEAGE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandmothers were strong Last Line: My grandmothers were strong. %why am I not as they? Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Alphabet Verse; Ancestors And Ancestry; Women LINES, by SAMUEL ALFRED BEADLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How I love my country you have heard Last Line: And blind to your faults as to mine. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Racism; Spanish-american War (1898); Racial Prejudice; Bigotry LINES, by SARAH LOUISA FORTEN Poem Source First Line: From fair jamaica's fertile plains Last Line: Might lean to earth to hear Alternate Author Name(s): Ada Subject(s): African Americans - Women LINES TO A NASTURTIUM (A LOVER MUSES), by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Flame-flower, day-torch, mauna loa Last Line: Beating, beating. Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks LINES TO A SOPHISTICATE, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Never would I seek Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women LINES, SUGGESTED ON READING 'AN APPEAL' BY A.E. GRIMKE, by SARAH LOUISA FORTEN Poem Source First Line: My spirit leaps in joyousness tow'rd thine Last Line: Accursed thing, this achan in our camp, %may be removed Alternate Author Name(s): Ada Subject(s): African Americans - Women LIQUOR STORE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now if you're ever on *fourth street* : I'll tell you what to do Last Line: You ask him for a favor : he won't make you ashamed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LISTEN CHILDREN, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: We have always loved each other %children all ways %pass it on Subject(s): African Americans LISTEN HERE BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sweet girls, sweet girls Last Line: Don't you fool wid no men cause %they'll bring you misery Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LISTEN TO MA, by HOCIEL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I grow lonely : day by day Last Line: You're always welcome : in her home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITANY OF BLACK HISTORY FOR BLACK PEOPLE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For all our noble heritage Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - History LITTLE BLACK GIRLS, THE ORIGINAL EVE (SPREADIN' MORE BEAUTIF, by KAREN WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: A %bodacious %black %bad Last Line: One of the true joys of motherhood Subject(s): African Americans - Children LITTLE BLACK POEM 4 LARRY, by LESLIE REESE Poem Source First Line: A big black man with a big black smile holds Last Line: Holds my smaller black hand and %protects me Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers LITTLE BOY BLUE, by ROBERT LOCKWOOD Poem Source First Line: Little boy blues : please come blow your horn Last Line: I believe to my soul : that the little girl is out of town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE BOY WHO COULDN'T COUNT SEVEN (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count one Last Line: Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought he's gwine to heaben Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE BROWN BABY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Little brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes Last Line: Little brown baby wif spa'klin eyes! Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Babies; Negroes; American Blacks; Infants LITTLE CATS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What happens to little cats Last Line: As mean as they are strong Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE COW AND CALF IS GONNA DIE BLUES, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey Last Line: Hey pretty mama : please don't tell on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE DOGS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a liddle dog; his name wus ball' Last Line: An' w'en he died, I buried 'im in de san' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE GIRL BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Little girl little girl : I got something I want to say to you Last Line: Well I said that I always love you : and sonny boy don't care where you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE GIRL IN ROME, by OTTO VIRGIAL Poem Source First Line: I got a letter this morning : from that girl in rome Last Line: He said baby can't quit me : ain't no need of you trying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE GIRL'S DREAM WORLD, by DELLA BURT Poem Source First Line: I remember the time Last Line: Could it be that %it never %was? Subject(s): African Americans - Women LITTLE GREEN TREE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It looks like to me Last Line: Them cool green leaves %is waitin' to shelter me %o, little tree! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE GREY DREAMS, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women LITTLE HAT BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: Oh the train pass by : oh with my sweet baby inside Last Line: Another year you hear me moaning : lord let thy will be done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE LAURA BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Little laura was a gal : she was sixteen Last Line: She had dream all about loving : and she know just what to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE LEG WOMAN, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Well look here mama : let your daddy see Last Line: Sweetest honey : now come from no bee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE LYRIC (OF GREAT IMPORTANCE), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wish the rent Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LITTLE LYRIC (OF GREAT IMPORTANCE), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wish the rent Last Line: Was heaven sent Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE MECCA, by BETH BROWN PRESTON Poem Source First Line: Sweet honey, shut dat door' Last Line: Down to the corner Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) LITTLE MORE WATER (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Fetch a liddle mo' water, buddie Last Line: Way down in de old wheat field Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE NEGRO FLY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere's a liddle nigger fly Last Line: But he don't know 'is a, b, c's Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE OLD BLACK HISTORIAN (FOR JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN), by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: Can't even say 'good morning' %without tears in his eyes Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE OLD LETTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was yesterday morning Last Line: Can take a person's life Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE PICKANINNY (NURSERY RHYME) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Me an' its mammy is both gwine to town Last Line: Mammy! How de baby grow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE QUEEN OF SPADES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be Last Line: Let's we put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE RED HEN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My liddle red hen, wid a liddle white foot Last Line: Come, bring it on, honey, an' let's git through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE ROCK BLUES, by PEARL DICKSON Poem Source First Line: I started to heaven : but I changed my mind Last Line: And if you don't want me baby : you don't have to use me as no fool Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE ROOSTER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: U had a liddle rooster Last Line: Wants dat rooster fer deir beau Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE SAM, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lo, de cabin's empty Last Line: Will take dis po' ole nigger home, to be wid little sam. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Slavery; Serfs LITTLE SARAH, by JAMES YANK RACHEL Poem Source First Line: And I got up this morning : a light all in my room Last Line: And I'm going to slip right back home : to my same old used-to-be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LITTLE SISTER, WON'T YOU MARRY ME?, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Liddle sistah in de barn, jine de weddin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE SLEEPING NEGROES (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One liddle nigger a-lyin' in de bed Last Line: Dey'd better hop out, if dey wants to git fed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE SON, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The very acme of my woe Last Line: In turmoil and delight. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Mothers LITTLE SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Carmencita loves patrick Last Line: Weaving our bright ribbons %into a rainbow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lonely people %in the lonely night Last Line: Work to salt %their dream away Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE SONG ON HOUSING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here I come! Last Line: White folks, fly! %here am I! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LITTLE SWEETHEART DOWNTOWN (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a little sweetheart, she lived downtown Last Line: I hope she never seed dat morning gown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LITTLE UNDERSTANDING, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: And god bless aunt edna Last Line: Daddy love her Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Mothers LIVE AND LET LIVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Maybe it ain't right %but the people of the night Last Line: Will give even %a snake %a break Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LIZA JANE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Whooper liza a pretty liddle gal Last Line: But I'se comin' back 'gain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LIZA MAY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Little brown face full of smiles Last Line: Liza may. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Mothers LOCK AND KEY BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Springtime coming : and the grass all growing green Last Line: I ain't going to tell the northern women : what the southern women can do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOCK STEP BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp Last Line: I'm screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOCUST TREES, by MARGARET L. THOMAS Poem Source First Line: No locust grows alone Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women LONE WOLF BLUES, by OSCAR WOODS Poem Source First Line: Lord my mother told me : when I was quite a child Last Line: If that don't bring her : I know my shotgun will Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONELY BOY BLUES, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Charles, solitary sentry Last Line: After he had to stay here %all by himself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) LONELY EAGLES, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being black in america Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Aviation & Aviators; Air Warfare; World War Ii; African Americans - Military; Family Life; James, General Daniel 'chappie' (1920-78); Airplanes; Air Pilots; Second World War; Relatives LONELY EAGLES, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being black in america Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; James, General Daniel 'chappie' (1920-78; Relatives LONELY EAGLES, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being black in america Last Line: I used his mattress %for the rest of the tour. %it still bothers me, sometimes: %I was sleeping %on Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; James, General Daniel "chappie" (1920-78 LONELY NOCTURNE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When dawn lights the sky Last Line: But me -- %when dawn lights the sky Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LONELY ONE IN THIS TOWN, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Because I'm a stranger here : everybody turned their back on me Last Line: I believe I'll go right back : to grand old tennessee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME ATLANTA BLUES, by BOBBY GRANT Poem Source First Line: I'm so lonesome : I'm so lonesome and I'm so blue Last Line: If I can't find my baby : I'll be so kind to meet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: The blues came down my alley : and stopped right at my door Last Line: It takes all twenty-two : to run my good man down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME BLUES, by HENRY WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Did you ever wake up lonesome : all by yourself Last Line: I ain't had no righteous woman : since my baby blowed this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME CORNER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went down to the corner Last Line: Is who I want to see Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LONESOME DAY BLUES, by RUBY GLAZE Poem Source First Line: You can go : you can stay Last Line: You was standing in your back door : with a hung down head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME DAY BLUES, by JESSE JAMES Poem Source First Line: Lord today has been : a long lonesome day Last Line: But I believe my partner : lord got a lifetime here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME DREAM BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: I had a dream last night : babe I can't understand Last Line: But when you think of your loving : I know that you cannot behave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME HOME BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Lonesome place : don't seem like it's home to me Last Line: Says I'll acknowledge now pretty baby : that I treated you mean Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME HOME BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls Last Line: I ain't got no woman : speak in my behalf Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME HOUSE BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I had a dream last night : all about my gal Last Line: It has settled on my brain : and it hurts my tongue to talk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME LOVESICK, by BLANCHE CALLOWAY Poem Source First Line: Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alo Last Line: My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME MAN BLUES, by GEORGE TOREY Poem Source First Line: Baby how long baby how long : *long* before you bring your *load* back home Last Line: Some man had my woman : and the worried blues had me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME MIDNIGHT BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I'm lonesome I'm lonesome : and I got them lonesome midnight blues Last Line: My daddy was leaving : and the blues had me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME MIDNIGHT DREAM, by WILLIE HARRIS Poem Source First Line: If you just listen closely : tell you just what I mean Last Line: Why when I came to find out : that it was just a lonesome midnight dream Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME PLACE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I got to leave this town Last Line: This life's so weary, %'s 'bout to overcome me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LONESOME ROAD BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: You did cause me to weep : you did cause me to moan Last Line: These blues : going to let me rest Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME SHARK BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Out across the hill : I built a lonesome shack Last Line: So when we part : be hard to find a ??? *beans* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME SWAMP RATTLESNAKE, by JAYDEE SHORT Poem Source First Line: Way lonesome : out in some swamp I know Last Line: When the rattlesnake crawl : there ain't nobody can tell you what to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONESOME WEARY BLUES, by BERTHA CHIPPIE HILL Poem Source First Line: When I'm alone : I long to see my used-to-be Last Line: If I ever lose these blues : never be worried again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG AGO BLUES, by HENRY TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: Mmm can't you remember baby ; long long time ago Last Line: I'm going to stay down on the levee : babe until you change your ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG AND TALL, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says I love you mama : but you don't even care for me Last Line: Now if you mess with me mama : I'm sure going to turn your damper down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG DISTANCE BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Hello central : give me long-distance please Last Line: Because I'm tired : of making all these nights alone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG DISTANCE MOAN, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm flying to south carolina %I gotta go there this time Last Line: This long distance moan %about to worry me to death this time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG LASTIN' LOVIN', by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I wonder why : my partner sitting around looking sad Last Line: Lord when she starts to loving : man it ain't in the book Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG LONESOME BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Well the blues come to texas : loping like a mule Last Line: Can't go look down the street : but she's always raising sand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG LONESOME DAY BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Yes today has been: a long old lonesome day Last Line: Woman *use the jelly*: I like those old-time ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG OLD ROAD, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: It's a long old road : but I'm going to find the end Last Line: Found my long lost friend : and I might as well stayed at home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG TALL MAMA, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Got a long tall mama : she stands about seven feet nine Last Line: To satisfy that woman : takes more than a bumblebee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG TRAIN BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: She walked down in the yard : caught the longest train she seen Last Line: Take it down ??? : I'm getting sick and about to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONG TRIP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sea is a wilderness of waves Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Sea; Negroes; American Blacks; Ocean LONG TRIP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sea is a wilderness of waves Last Line: The sea is a desert of waves, %a wilderness of water Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Sea LONG VIEW: NEGRO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Emancipation: 1865 Last Line: Becomes so small %again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LONG WAY FROM HOME, by LOUISE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed Last Line: Well I done cried I cried : lord have mercy on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONGING FOR MY SUGAR, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I'm longing for my sugar : and I don't want no one else Last Line: Thinking the woman that I love : ain't been treated right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LONGINGS, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: To dance - Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Longing LOOK FOR YOU YESTERDAY, HERE YOU COME TODAY, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Part of my charm Last Line: & tonto way off in the hills %moaning like bessie smith Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans LOOK HERE MAMA BLUES, by UNCLE BUD WALKER Poem Source First Line: I I want to tell you : what I know about you Last Line: Oh let me tell you : what my used-to-be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOOKING, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You have no word for soldiers to enjoy Last Line: Nor the heaviest haul your little boy from harm Subject(s): African Americans - Military LOOKING FOR A COUNTRY UNDER ITS ORIGINAL NAME, by COLLEEN JOHNSON MCELROY Poem Source First Line: Gold will not buy this voyage Last Line: Their mysteries so perfect even their undoings %seem as planned as way signs on a map Subject(s): African Americans - Women LOOKING FOR A FIGHT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went down town de yudder night Last Line: Fer to shoot dem niggers down one by one Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LOOKS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I stood on the curve in the road by my grandmama's Last Line: If nothing else of this town %existed Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama LORD'S PRAYER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Our father which art in heaven Last Line: Amen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music LORD, OH LORD BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I'm going away baby : just to wear you off my mind Last Line: Now and you don't treat me : nothing baby like you used to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOST ALL I HAD BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : a thousand things on my mind Last Line: If I don't go crazy : then I will lose my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOST BABY POEM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The time I dropped your almost body down Last Line: My life will keep silent %listening to %my body breaking Subject(s): Abortion; African Americans - Women; Death - Children LOST WANDERING BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I'm leaving this morning : with my clothes in my hand Last Line: That's the reason why : mama's got the lost wandering blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOST YOUR HEAD BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I was with you baby : when you didn't have a dime Last Line: I'm a good gal : but I've just been treated wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOUIE, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: Can send you Last Line: Jass, jass, jass! %(oh yeah) Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Music And Musicians LOUIS ARMSTRONG, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: Pops' place is one great kitchen Last Line: For you to follow on home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Music And Musicians LOUIS ARMSTRONG, by ERNST MOERMAN Poem Source First Line: Suddenly in the midst of a game of lotto with his sisters Last Line: They suck me out of the world Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Jazz; Music And Musicians LOUISE, by BIG BOY TEDDY EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: Standing on the corner Last Line: Was louise coming : coming to get her man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOUISE LOUISE BLUES, by JOHNNIE TEMPLE Poem Source First Line: Louise : is the sweetest gal I know Last Line: If she don't strike deep water : I swear she'll never land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOUISIANA BOUND, by CHARLEY TAYLOR Poem Source First Line: Oh baby you now that I love you : that is the reason you treat me so unkind Last Line: And when I come back baby : I don't want you to call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Love is a wild wonder Last Line: That little spark is love %dying in the dark Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LOVE AGAIN BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My life ain't nothin' Last Line: But you got to love again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LOVE DREADLOCKED, by ANEB KGOSITSILE Poem Source First Line: Because you are truly 'monumental' Last Line: Yes, you know %certainly Subject(s): African Americans LOVE IN VAIN, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: And I followed her to the station : with a suitcase in my hand Last Line: Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVE IS JUST A THING OF FANCY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: But ugly'll hol' 'er own Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LOVE LETTER, by CAROLE CLEMMONS GREGORY Poem Source First Line: Dear samson %I put your hair Last Line: Love - delilah Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Delilah (bible); Samson; Women; Women In The Bible LOVE ME, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: I tried hard : a long time Last Line: We should love some : every night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVE ME LIKE YOU USED TO, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Please come back and love me like you used to : I think about you every day Last Line: I wish I had you here : to hold my aching head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVE MY STUFF, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I love my stuff babe : I want to give it *a hop* Last Line: I'm going to go to the river : and stop at dago hill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVE NOTE: 1. SURELY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Surely you stay my certain own, you say Last Line: And I doubt all. You. Or a violet Subject(s): African Americans - Military LOVE NOTE: 2. FLAGS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Still, it is dear defiance now to carry Last Line: Or like the tender struggle of a fan Subject(s): African Americans – Military; Forgiveness LOVE PICTURES YOU AS BLACK AND LONG-FACED, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source Last Line: In your wheat-strewn bed's the planetary gust %of your people's victory Subject(s): African Americans LOVE SONG FOR ANTONIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I should sing %all of my songs for you Last Line: I would still give you my love %though you never looked at me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LOVE SONG FOR LUCINDA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Love, %is a ripe plum Last Line: Would never lose your breath. %do not climb too high Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LOVE WITH A FEELING, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: If you're going to have a woman : love here with a thrill Last Line: The way you got doing babe : won't take your life Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVE-CHANGING BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: My love don't change : there's going to be some stealing done Last Line: My woman done left me : I got these love-changing blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVER'S LANE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: My name is washboard sam : but many call me loving joe Last Line: And they will all tell you : that loving sam is the man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVER'S RETURN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old time daddy Last Line: But the devil told me: %damn a lover %come home to die! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LOVERS' GOODNIGHT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Cotton fields white in de bright moonlight Last Line: Hain't no need a-stayin' ontel nex' day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs LOVESICK BLUES, by BERTHA CHIPPIE HILL Poem Source First Line: Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alo Last Line: My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOVING LADY BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: I never felt so worried : till I found the loving lady blues Last Line: For I done got worried : with that gal of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN DESPONDENT BLUES, by LENA HENRY Poem Source First Line: I feel worried : I feel sad Last Line: When I think of how he left me : I can't help but cry Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN DOG BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more Last Line: The train is at the station : my mind's made up to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN HOUND BLUES, by HOUND HEAD HENRY Poem Source First Line: Now run here pretty mama : tell papa where you been so long Last Line: I looked over in the corner : my poor grandma *what* had them too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN LOVING GAL, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Listen folks : to my moan Last Line: But that gal : was the cause of it all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN MOJO BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I love my baby : better than a farmer likes his jersey cow Last Line: The way she bumps over the hill : it would make a panther squall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN RASCAL, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: You's a lowdown rascal : just as mean as you can be Last Line: But now when you get broke and hungry : ooo well well please now don't you worry me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN ROUNDER BLUES, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: Just a worried old rounder : with a troublesome mind Last Line: I feel so disgusted : I've got them lowdown rounder blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN WAYS, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now listen little baby : do you think I'm going to be your fool Last Line: Now when I leave her this time : I swear I'm going away to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW DOWN WOMAN, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Hey hey baby ; why you acting so lowdown Last Line: I'm going to stop these lowdown women : because I'm going to start raising hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW LAND BLUES, by BERTHA CHIPPIE HILL Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down Last Line: Don't believe I'm a donkey : put me in a stall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW LAND MOAN, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I went down to the levee : and [over, out] to the freight house yard Last Line: I tried to love you so hard : but I found out there's no use Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOW TO HIGH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How can you forget me? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LOW TO HIGH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How can you forget me? Last Line: Ignore me though I pay your fees. %how can you forget me? %but you do Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans LOW-DOWN MISSISSIPPI BOTTOM MAN, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: In the lowlands of mississippi : that's where I was born Last Line: I'm just a lowdown man : always feeling lowdown and blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LOWLAND BLUES, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I wonder why : that southbound train don't run Last Line: I'm just like a big mule baby : I ain't got no stall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LUCK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes a crumb falls Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Luck; Negroes; American Blacks LUCK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes a crumb falls Last Line: Love is given, %to others %only in heaven Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Luck LUCKY ROCK BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Going to new orleans : to find that lucky rock Last Line: Just to ease my mind : of all this trouble I've got Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) LUCY AND HER GIRLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lucy is the ocean Last Line: Lucy / was going Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Girls LUCY AND HER GIRLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lucy is the ocean Last Line: Lucy %was going Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Girls LUCY ONE-EYE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And her wrinkled ways, %the darling girl Subject(s): African Americans - Women LULLABY, by GLADYS MAY CASELY HAYFORD Poem Source First Line: Close your sleepy eyes, or the pale moonlight will steal you Last Line: In place of mammy's bibini, asleep on his wee bed Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women LULLABY: FOR A BLACK MOTHER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My little dark baby Last Line: For your sleep-song lullaby Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Lullaby (for A Black Mother Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life LUMUMBA'S GRAVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lumumba was black Last Line: Tomorrow will mark %it everywhere Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Lumumba, Patrice (1925-1961) LUNCH IN A JIM CROW CAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Get out the lunch-box of your dreams Last Line: And, like an atom bomb, bursts apart Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Jim Crow Ca Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Railroads LUTHER, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That old slider, the prince of falsehood Last Line: Is black. He is black. I have made him so Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): African Americans; Luther, Martin (1483-1546); Preaching And Preachers LYNCHED NEGRO, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your downcast, harlequin, defenceless face Last Line: Corrects the tongues of bungling, churlish men. Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry LYNCHING, by DOROTHEA MATHEWS Poem Source First Line: He saw the rope, the moving mob Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women M AND O BLUES, by WILLIE BROWN Poem Source First Line: Now when I leave here : I'm going to catch that m and o Last Line: But she never showed up : at the shack last night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) M. AND O. BLUES, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: My baby's gone : and she won't come back no more Last Line: She didn't know how much I loved her : or else she wouldn't have left at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) M. AND O. BLUES NO. 3, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I'm a railroad man : and I love that m and o Last Line: I'm going to leave here people : going to catch that m and o Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MA LORD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma lord ain't no stuck-up man Last Line: An' be ma friend through eternity.' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MA RAINEY, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When ma rainey comes to town Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Rainey, Ma (1886-1939); Singing & Singers; Women; Songs MA RAINEY, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When ma rainey comes to town Last Line: She jes' gits hold of us dataway Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Rainey, Ma (1886-1939); Singing And Singers; Women MACOMBREY QUEEN, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Hear the boat a-whistlin', comin' roun' the bend Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MACON GEORGIA CUT-OUT, by BOBBY LEECAN Poem Source First Line: Now if you want to learn this dance : don't do it in a *pout* Last Line: If you want to do this dance : macon cutout Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAD DOG BLUES, by ROSIE MAE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Read my search warrant lady : I'm just looking for my man Last Line: I'd rather we both to be dead : than to see him with someone else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MADAM AND HER MADAM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I worked for a woman Last Line: I said, madam, %that may be true %but I'll be dogged %if I love you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND HER MIGHT-HAVE-BEEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had two husbands Last Line: He said, in me %you've got no trust %I said, I don't want %my heart to bust Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE ARMY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They put my boy-friend Last Line: A powerful man! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE CENSUS MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The census man Last Line: Furthermore, rub out %that mrs., too %I'll have you know %I'm a madam to you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE CHARITY CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once I adopted %a little girl child Last Line: Last time I told her, %report, my eye! %things is bad %you figure out why! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE CRIME WAVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said, I believe %this world's gone made Last Line: (course you always got %that other thing) Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE FORTUNE TELLER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fortune teller looked in my hand Last Line: For one more doller and a half, %I'll read your other palm Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE INSURANCE MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Insurance man %I heard his knock Last Line: Who would bury you %I said why? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE MINISTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Reverend butler came by Last Line: After rev. Butler %went away %so I ain't in no mood %for sin today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE MOVIEW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I go to the moview Last Line: And there ain't no %romance any more Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE NEWSBOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Newsboy knocks %I buy the defender Last Line: In the papers, too %wouldn't you? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE NUMBER WRITER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Number runner %come to my door Last Line: The runner said, madam, %that's all very well %but suppose %you go to hell? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE PHONE BILL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You say I o.K.Ed / long distance? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MADAM AND THE PHONE BILL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You say I o.K.Ed %long distance? Last Line: You say I gave my o.K. %well, that o.K. You may keep %but I sure ain't gonna pay! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM AND THE RENT MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The rent man knocked Last Line: I ain't pleased! %I said, neither am I %so we agrees! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Landlords And Tenants MADAM AND THE WRONG VISITOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A man knocked three times Last Line: And buy her some chicken %I said better buy two %cause I'm still kickin'! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM'S CALLING CARDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had some cards printed Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MADAM'S CALLING CARDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had some cards printed Last Line: To my pedigree %alberta k. Johnson %american that's me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM'S CHRISTMAS (OR MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I forgot %to send a card to jennie Last Line: Cards or no cards %here's howdy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MADAM'S PAST HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My name is johnson Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America MADAM'S PAST HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My name is johnson Last Line: I do cooking, %day's work, too ! %alberta k. Johnson %madam to you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; United States MAGALU, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Summer comes / the ziczac hovers Last Line: For a creed that will not let you dance? Variant Title(s): Magula Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Missionaries & Missions MAGGIE CAMPBELL BLUES, by TOMMY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm who's that yonder : coming down the road Last Line: And if I meet my good gal : well I won't be back at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAGIC, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Practice makes perfect, the old folks said Last Line: She would make it to paris one day Subject(s): African Americans - Women MAGIC, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Practice makes perfect, the old folks said Last Line: She would make it to paris one day Subject(s): African Americans - Women MAGNOLIA FLOWERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The quiet fading out of life Last Line: I didn't mean to stump ma toe on you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MAILMAN BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Mailman : please stop by my box today Last Line: You know I'm looking for a letter from my babe : some of my people might be dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAKE/N MY MUSIC, by ANGELA JACKSON Poem Source First Line: My colored childhood was mostly music Last Line: I found billie %holiday - an learned %how %to cry Subject(s): African Americans - Children; African Americans - Women; Jazz; Music And Musicians MALCOLM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody mentioned war Last Line: Screaming through the streets Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody mentioned war Last Line: And from their holes black eagles flew %screaming through the streets Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM, by NUBIA KAI Poem Source First Line: Good men don't die Last Line: I will tell my children %these things %and they will listen %malcolm...Malcolm Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do not speak to me of martyrdom Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do not speak to me of martyrdom Last Line: But what could have been %floods the womb until I drown Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM, by WELTON SMITH Poem Source First Line: I cannot move %from your voice Last Line: You must try it, if not now %very soon Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Those who say they knew you Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM, by ALICE WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Those who say they knew you Last Line: And enjoyed a joke %and loved to laugh Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM REMEMBERED (FEB. '77), by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Malcolm / callin you back thru years Last Line: Until our victory, comrade malcolm, until our victory! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM REMEMBERED (FEB. '77), by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Malcolm %callin you back thru years Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM SPOKE/WHO LISTENED?, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He didn't say Last Line: If we don't listen Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM X, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Original / ragged-round Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM X, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Original %ragged-round Last Line: Who was a man Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM X, by VERNON E. HITE Poem Source First Line: One a valley among the peaks of humanity Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALCOLM X, by ROXANNE WHITAKER Poem Source First Line: Against the bloody blue Last Line: Man %to the last Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MALTED MILK, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I keep drinking malted milk : trying to drink my blues away Last Line: I have a warm old feeling : and the hair rising on my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MALTESE CAT BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Rats is mean in my kitchen : and I lost my maltese cat Last Line: And a good strong brownskin : man it's tight like that Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA AND DAUGHTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama, please brush off my coat Last Line: So I can brush your back, I say Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Daughters MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO. 1, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: No we don't care : what the mama don't allow Last Line: We going to play washboards : anyhow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO. 2, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Says we don't care : what mama don't allow Last Line: We going to easy-woodle : anyhow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA YOU DON'T KNOW HOW, by PAPA HARVEY HULL Poem Source First Line: Ooh : I ain't got no mama now Last Line: Because the landlady's liquor : lord its coming too slow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA YOU DON'T MEAN ME NO GOOD, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: I love you mama : but you don't mean me no good Last Line: What it takes to please : I'm going to carry that around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA'S ADVICE, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Well well I loved my little girl : and I loved her for myself Last Line: Well well well if she do : well well she sure don't feel my care Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA'S GONE GOODBYE, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: For years you dog me around : but now is the time Last Line: All I need is some good daddy : turn my damper down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA'S QUITTIN' AND LEAVIN'--PART 1, by MAGNOLIA HARRIS Poem Source First Line: I feel bluer this morning : than I ever felt before Last Line: But it's going to hurt you to your heart : when I leave for a while Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA'S QUITTIN' AND LEAVIN'--PART 1, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Talking about changing men : mama you been saying that stuff all over town Last Line: And rather than see someone else mistreat you : I'd rather keep you and mistreat you myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA'S QUITTIN' AND LEAVIN'--PART 2, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: When you drinking you talk too much mama : forgive me if you please Last Line: And you can do just as you please : and I'll act just like some mother's child Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA'S QUITTIN' AND LEAVIN'--PART2, by MAGNOLIA HARRIS Poem Source First Line: I'm tired of being scolded : when I know I'm doing to best I can Last Line: I'll give you one more chance ; to make a man out of yourself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA, 'TAIN'T LONG FO' DAY, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Wake up mama : don't you sleep so hard Last Line: Maybe : the sunshine'll drive these blues away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA, DON'T RUSH ME BLUES, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: Paid my room rent last night : half past ten Last Line: You better stop your sister : from doing her *gait* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMA, DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW?, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Got a knock-kneed mama : down in tennessee Last Line: You can't switch your tail : like I switch mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMLISH BLUES, by ED BELL Poem Source First Line: Used to be my sugar : you ain't sweet no more Last Line: And the blind man looked at you : sure look good to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMMA, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Don't know what to do with myself : at night Last Line: The sort that will thrill me : from my head to my feet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAMMA'S DARLING (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Wid flowers on my shoulders Last Line: I'se so tired stayin' to myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MAMMY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm waiting for ma mammy, -- %she is death Last Line: I'm waiting for ma mammy, -- %death Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MAMMY SUE, by MARY C. HERGET Poem Text First Line: In the dim days of the long ago Last Line: "hummin', hummin', hummin'." Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Household Employees; Singing & Singers; Sleep; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Songs MAMMY, IS MASSA GWINE TO SEE ME TOMORROW? (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Oh, water and pray Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was a boy then. Last Line: When he's %a man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MAN GROUBLE BLUES, by JAYBIRD COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: Trouble worried trouble : I been having all my days Last Line: Now my baby has a-quit me : talked all out of my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAN I LOVE IS OH SO GOOD, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: The man I love : is oh so good to me Last Line: Meals with him : all taste like wedding cake Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAN INTO MEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A nigger comes home from work Last Line: To the man %who becomes %men Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MAN KILLING BROAD, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: You've got a hatchet under your pillow baby : you got ice pick in your hand Last Line: Trying to steal my life : to have your old used-to-be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAN O' WORDS AN' NOT O' DEEDS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Is lak a gyarden full o' weeds Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MAN OF MY OWN, by RUTH MARY WILLIS Poem Source First Line: Now I went down on eighteenth street : didn't have no hat Last Line: So why fetch me : no train I'm on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAN STEALER BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I went to bed last night : and the blues wouldn't let me rest Last Line: Said he ain't had no woman to love him : lord like I done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAN TROUBLE BLUES, by JAYBIRD COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down Last Line: When I'm in my good whiskey : this is the way I sing my blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAN YOU WON'T GIVE ME NO MONEY, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Man you won't give me no money : you won't buy me no clothes to wear Last Line: Don't forget these last words : you sure got to come under my rule Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MANY DIE HERE, by GAYL JONES Poem Source Last Line: You, who have let my people die without a name Subject(s): African Americans - Women MANY THOUSAND GONE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: No more auction block for me Last Line: No more mistress' call for me, %many thousand gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Freedom; Slavery MARCH MOON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The moon is naked Last Line: Don't you know %it isn't nice to be naked? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MARCUS GARVEY, by JR. DOUGHTRY LONG Poem Source First Line: When garvey, round and full like the buddha shook Last Line: Garvey, garvey %you must have known %that sleep is the brother of death Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Garvey, Marcus (1887-1940) MARCUS TOUSSAINT, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Marcus is very conspicuous Last Line: To help protect my hide Subject(s): African Americans; Love MARIA DE LAS ROSAS, by BECKY BIRTHA Poem Source First Line: I go to visit where she stays Last Line: Put the rose ub my hair %it smells like her Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights MARKET, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ragged boys %lift sweets, haggle Last Line: Looks down with eyes %of sunstruck glass Subject(s): African Americans MARKET STREET, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Dusky harlem %here in the middle west Last Line: And I have not escaped it yet Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Market Street, St. Louis MARRIED MAN BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: When you lose your money : please don't lose your mind Last Line: Man's a fool : if he thinks he's got a whole woman by himself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MARRIED WOMAN BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now don't ever take : a married woman to be your friend Last Line: I ain't crazy faro : woman that I ever seen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MARRIED WOMAN BLUES, by GEORGE TOREY Poem Source First Line: If you ever been mistreated : then you know how mistreated feels Last Line: And my heart struck sorrow : and the tears come easing down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MARTIN, by ROXANNE WHITAKER Poem Source First Line: His voice was Last Line: Can save %us all Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) MARTIN LUTHER KING, by NAOMI FLOWE FAUST Poem Source First Line: Martin luther king, jr Last Line: For the gifts to freedom he bore. %they shall call him the b-l-e-s-s-e-d martyred king Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) MARTIN LUTHER KING, by IME IKIDDEH Poem Source First Line: Marcus %malcoln %martin %you grandchildren of uncle tom Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Garvey, Marcus (1887-1940); King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968); Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) MARTIN LUTHER KING, by AMIN KASSAM Poem Source First Line: Under abraham's vacant eyes Last Line: With the voice of man %buried in his neck Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) MARTIN LUTHER KING, by AGNES ROBERTSON Poem Source First Line: I had a dream Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) MARY ANNA CUT OFF, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: I'm going mary anna : I'm riding that old engineer Last Line: I'm going to see that black gal : boys so help me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MARY COME ON HOME, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Stopped little mary : across the creek Last Line: Ask anybody : little mary in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MARY JOHNSON BLUES, by MARY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was Last Line: I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MASK, by IRMA MCCLAURIN Poem Source First Line: Hanging on the wall, an iron face watches me Last Line: The mask contains a deeper blues than those I know %carving out my heart with yesterday's pain Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women MASON-DIXON BLUES, by MATTIE HITE Poem Source First Line: Way down : below the mason-dixon line Last Line: But it will never cure : the mason-dixon line Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MASQUERADE, by CAROLYN M. RODGERS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You think you %need me Last Line: Ultimately realize the specific beauty or ugly %innards of %our %selves Subject(s): African Americans - Women MASSA'S IN DE COLD GROUND, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Round de meadows am a ringing Last Line: "down in de corn fields, etc" Subject(s): African Americans;death;slavery;tears; "negroes;american Blacks;dead, The;serfs; MASTER HAD A BRAN' NEW COAT, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MASTER IS SIX FEET ONE WAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Mosser is six foot one way, an' free foot tudder Last Line: But a liddle mo' holier dan righteous Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MASTER KILLED A BIG BULL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' give poor nigger de chitlins. %sho! Sho! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MASTER'S 'STOLEN' COAT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole mosser bought a brand new coat Last Line: But he's greener dan a gourd Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MATCH BOX BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes Last Line: If my mind don't change : I'll never knock here no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MATCH BOX BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to the river : going to walk down by the sea Last Line: Baby the more you cry : the further you drive me away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MATCH BOX BLUES, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes Last Line: Lord : have mercy on me Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MATERNITY, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Proud? Last Line: I view this babe of sorrow! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Babies; Negroes; American Blacks; Infants MATTINATA, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: When I think of the hosts little ones Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women MAX ROACH - THE RHYTHM WIZARD, by AVOTCJA Poem Source First Line: One very special day Last Line: Into a musical marriage, pre-arranged by fate %and the universe will never be the same Subject(s): African Americans; Roach, Max (b. 1924) MAXWELL STREET BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I was walking down morgan : stopped on maxwell street Last Line: Because I swear I don't walk : said buly buly buly how do you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAYBE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I asked you, baby Last Line: You told me that you didn't, %but you thought you would Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MAYBE I'LL LOAN YOU A DIME, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now once I lived a life : of a millionaire Last Line: Bring me the titanic : that sailed the sea Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAYBE IT'S THE BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Something pounding : in my breast Last Line: If I only had someone : just to drive my tears away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MAZIE DIES ALONE IN THE CITY HOSPITAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hate to die this way with the quiet Last Line: God! Why did you ever curse me %makin' me die this way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Cabaret Girl Dies On Welfare Islan Subject(s): African Americans; Death MCDONOGH DAY IN NEW ORLEANS, by MARCUS B. CHRISTIAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The cotton blouse you wear, your mother said Last Line: How dear comes beauty when a skin is black. Subject(s): African Americans; Beauty; Negroes; American Blacks ME AN' MY LOVER, WE FALL OUT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' dats de way dat big fuss start Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ME AND MY BUDDY, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Me and my buddy : I mean he is my friend Last Line: Because we got wise to women : ooo well well we knows what it's all about Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ME AND MY CAPTAIN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Me an my captain don't agree Last Line: Just laughing to keep from crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music ME AND MY CHAUFFEUR BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Won't you be my chauffeur : I want someone to drive Last Line: Then he can be my little boy : yes I'll feed him good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ME AND MY GIN, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Stay away from me : because I'm in my sin Last Line: I don't want no pork chop : just give me gin instead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ME AND MY SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black %as the gentle night Last Line: Me and my %song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ME AND MY WHISKEY, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: When I'm in my whiskey : I don't care what I say Last Line: Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ME AND THE DEVIL BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Early this morning : when you knocked upon my door Last Line: So my old evil spirit : can get a greyhound bus and ride Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ME AND THE MULE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old mule / he's got a grin on his face Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ME AND THE MULE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old mule %he's got a grin on his face Last Line: You got to take me %like I am Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ME, MYSELF, AND I, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Everybody wants to know : how do memphis slim get by Last Line: I said baby at this particular time : it's just me myself and I Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN ACTIN' MAMA, by ELIJAH JONES Poem Source First Line: Now I can remember my baby : it was late one friday night Last Line: Now you even had me down walking baby : I could hardly but crawl along Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN BLACK MOAN, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: It's a mean black moan : and it's lying front of my door Last Line: But when the strike is over : lord I will be all right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN CONDUCTOR BLUES, by ED BELL Poem Source First Line: That same train : same engineer Last Line: Some train don't run : why be some walking done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN JUMPER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door Last Line: I had to talk and plead : for to keep him from blowing me d own Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN MISTREATER BLUES, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: You's a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good Last Line: When the woman that you loving : is loving someone else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN MISTREATER MAMA, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: You're a mean mistreater mama : and you don't mean me no good Last Line: When the one that you love : is loving someone else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN OLD 'FRISCO BLUES, by ARTHUR BIG BOY CRUDUP Poem Source First Line: Well that mean old old frisco : and that lowdown santa fe Last Line: I might leave : because I don't feel welcome here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN OLD BED BUG BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Yes bedbugs sure is evil : they don't mean no good Last Line: Got myself a wishbone : wish they cut their own doggone throats Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN OLD BEDBUG BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: Man those bedbugs sure is evil : he sure don't mean me no good Last Line: Because the mean old bedbug : told me I can't live there no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN OLD TWISTER, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now this dark cloud is rising : and it's thundering %all around Last Line: Says I got everybody happy : around here in my neighborhood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEAN PAPA, TURN IN YOUR KEY, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Mean papa turn in your key : because you don't live here no more Last Line: I think there'll be trouble : and I had better go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEANDERING: 1. MERRY-GO-1 ROUND, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Kaycee night tripper Last Line: To ack her eight o'clock scholar %off to school Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) MEANDERING: 2. DARK SHADOWS (TAKE 1), by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: At an alley exit Last Line: For the niggers in the band Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) MEANDERING: 3. HALLELUJAH, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: There is evil going on on 12th street Last Line: Won't be worth the stay %no way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) MEDGAR & MYRLIE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Medgar rarely %spoke his feelings Last Line: Tears, his blood Subject(s): African Americans; Evers, Medgar (1925-1963); Love MEDICINE MEN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Slavers stole them out of akebulan Last Line: Furious movement of african life %claiming its own Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - History; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Movement; Protest, Social; Slavery MEET ME AROUND THE CORNER, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Meet me around the corner baby : bring my boots and shoes Last Line: Got a lien on her body : got a mortgage on her soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MELLOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Into the laps %of black celebrities Last Line: Wired for killing %which makes it %more thrilling Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MEMO TO NON-WHITE PEOPLES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They will let you have dope Last Line: Exactly the same Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MEMORIAL: 1. THE SUPREMES-CIZ THEY DEAD, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The supremes done gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; African Americans - Women; Supremes, The (singing Group) MEMORIAL: 1. THE SUPREMES-CIZ THEY DEAD, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The supremes done gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; African Americans - Women; Supremes, The (singing Group) MEMORIAL: 2. BOBBY HUTTON, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I didn't know bobby Subject(s): African Americans - Women MEMORIAL: 3. REV PIMPS, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sisters %git yr-blk-asses Last Line: To any revolutionary %u dig? Subject(s): African Americans - Women MEMORY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ask me to tell how it feels Last Line: She smiles, ask me %how it feels Subject(s): African Americans; Childhood Memories; Memory; Mothers And Daughters; Prejudice MEMORY, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: I have seen the robins Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women MEMPHIS BLUES, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nineveh, tyre / babylon Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MEMPHIS BLUES, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nineveh, tyre %babylon Last Line: De win' sing sperrichals %through deir dus' Subject(s): African Americans MEMPHIS BOUND BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: You've got to drift to leave me : you're going to leave your home some day Last Line: My man is gone and left me : gone to memphis tennessee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS BOY--BLUES, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Going out west partner : going to marry me an indian squaw Last Line: Lord I ain't going to stay with no woman : lord no great long time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS JUG--BLUES, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Hey drop down drop down : mama like drops of rain Last Line: Lord I can see everything : that my easy roller do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS MAN, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: Memphis man : comes knocking at the door Last Line: He could write a book : on his loving ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS MINNIE-JITIS BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Mmm : the meningitis killing me Last Line: I heard my ??? Companion say : I will see your smiling face again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS ROUNDERS BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now what makes memphis women : love a rounder so Last Line: Know if you hear me doing any singing : I'll be standing around my door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS TOWN, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Went to the station : to get me a train Last Line: Going down to memphis : see my gal again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEMPHIS YO YO BLUES, by HATTIE HART Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : feeling sad and blue Last Line: Listen women : I don't mean to start no row Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEN FOOLER BLUES, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: I had a girl : give her everything I had Last Line: Well she's got something on the under : seep just like a *pool hall eye* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MEN WORKING, by SUSIE DAWSON JOHNSON Poem Text First Line: Slick and languid blacks in garments dimmed Last Line: Sun-drenched in sweat this lazy summer morn. Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers MENINGITIS BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I come home one saturday night : pull of my clothes and lie down Last Line: I'm spinning I'm spinning baby : my head is nearly down in to my knees Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MENTORS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For I am rightful fellow of their band Last Line: Light is the midnight for mine and theirs Subject(s): African Americans - Military MERCY SEAT, by BRUCE SMITH Poem Source First Line: The cafe society was a cottonless plantation Last Line: Of a woman they would pick her gardenia to pieces, %petal by petal Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers MERRY CHRISTMAS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Merry christmas, china Last Line: Let merry christmas gas the air Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MERRY-GO-ROUND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is the jim crow section Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks MERRY-GO-ROUND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is the jim crow section Last Line: Where's the horse %for a kid that's black? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mr. President, kindly please Last Line: Segregation in the u.S.A Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans METROPOLITAN MUSEUM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I came in from the roar Last Line: Of an asphodel Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MEXICAN MARKET WOMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This ancient hag Last Line: And the sun has made %her skin so brown Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Labor And Laborers MICHAEL ROW THE BOAT ASHORE, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "michael row de boat ashore, / hallelujah!" Last Line: "singer row to save your soul, / hallelujah!" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals MICROSCOPE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In sixth grade, science was a puzzle Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping MICROSCOPE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In sixth grade, science was a puzzle Last Line: Up close could lose its luster Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping MIDDLE PASSAGE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jesus, estrella, esperanza, mercy Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MIDDLE PASSAGE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jesus, estrella, esperanza, mercy Last Line: Voyage through death %to life upon these shores Subject(s): African Americans MIDNIGHT BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: In the morning : right between midnight and day Last Line: If your coming don't bring sunshine : it sure god will bring rain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDNIGHT BLUES, by WILLIAM MOORE Poem Source First Line: Some people say : that the midnight blues ain't bad Last Line: Going to carry it in my pocket : and make you stay at home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDNIGHT BLUES, by HANNAH SYLVESTER Poem Source First Line: Daddy daddy : please come back to me Last Line: To face this cruel world : world all by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDNIGHT BLUES, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: Daddy daddy : please come back to me Last Line: To face this cruel world : well all by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDNIGHT CHIPPIE'S LAMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I looked down 31st street Last Line: So nobody can't low-rate you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MIDNIGHT DANCER: TO A BALCK DANCER IN THE LITTLE SAVOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wine-maiden %of the jazz-tuned night Last Line: The grapes of joy %and dripped their juice %on you? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MIDNIGHT HOUR BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: In the wee midnight hours : long before the break of day Last Line: So I guess that's why : I've had these midnight hour blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDNIGHT RAFFLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I put my nickel Last Line: My bread wasn't buttered %on neither side Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MIDNIGHT SPECIAL BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: When you get up in the morning : when the ding-dong rings Last Line: Looking for some sergeant : to release some man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDNIGHT WEEPING BLUES, by NELLIE FLORENCE Poem Source First Line: I moaned I moaned : I cried the whole night long Last Line: Said I'm right upset : and I've got those weeping blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MIDWAY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Text Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I've come this far to freedom and I won't turn back Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks MIDWAY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I've come this far to freedom and I won't turn back Last Line: Mighty mountains loom before me and I won't stop now Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Social Protest MIDWINTER BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the middle of the winter Last Line: Won't need no flowers from the store. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MIGRANT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: (chicago) %daddy-o %buddy-o %works at the foundry Last Line: But if he wasn't in a hurry %he wouldn't write so %bad that way, %daddy-o Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MIGRATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little southern colored child Last Line: One might make a story %charting tomorrow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MIGRATION, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poet's Biography First Line: The winter birds / are flying from the north Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Birds; Migration MIGRATION, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The winter birds %are flying from the north Last Line: Land, and time a revolving %flame Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Birds; Migration MILITANT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let all who will Last Line: To strike your face Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MILK COW BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Hollering good morning: I said blues how do you do Last Line: Lord the little woman I love mama: have done drove me from her door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MILK COW BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now asked sweet mama : let me be her kid Last Line: But it's a slow consumption : killing you by degrees Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MILK COW BLUES, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: Listen to my story now : please listen to my song Last Line: Can't you imagine how I feel now : I done told my real milkcow bye bye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MILK COW BLUES--NO. 4, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: I can't get my milk in the morning : I can't get my cream no more Last Line: I don't mind her drinking her whiskey : but please don't ballyhoo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MILKCOW'S CALF BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you Last Line: She been suckling some other man's bullcow : ooo lord in a strange man's town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MILL MAN BLUES, by BILLY BIRD Poem Source First Line: Yond comes a woman : with a peck of corn on her back Last Line: Said I'm worried now baby : won't be worried long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MILTON, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: O, poet gifted with the sight divine! Last Line: For thy not sightless eyes the veil was riv'n %redemption's problem unto thee well solved Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women MIND READER BLUES, by BERTHA LEE Poem Source First Line: Baby I can see : just what's on your mind Last Line: Well I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MINGLEWOOD BLUES, by ASHLEY THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: Don't you never : let no woman rule your life Last Line: Says you coming back baby : and I'll be almost dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MINING CAMP BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Once I had a daddy : and he worked down in a hole Last Line: And I'm nearly dying : with these mining camp blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MINNIE SINGS HER BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cabaret, cabaret Last Line: Blue, blue, blues! %I'd sho have them blues Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MINOR MIRACLE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Which reminds me of another knock-on-wood Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Regret; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry MINSTREL MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because my mouth Last Line: You do not know %I die Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MINUTE MAN BLUES--PART 1, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Every since every since : I [first] left my mother's door Last Line: I've got a v-eight ford now sweet mama : lord you know I'm a minuteman Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MINUTE MAN BLUES--PART 2, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: My tires ain't going to fail me : and my motor it is good and strong Last Line: This minuteman is on that lonesome highway : and I swear it won't be long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISERABLE SINNER, by SUZANNE OWENS Poem Source First Line: I am a child of chance with a window brush Last Line: I draw power. I walk barefoot Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Capital Punishment; Crime And Criminals; Death - Children; Murder; Pregnancy; Rape; Sin MISERY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Play the blues for me Last Line: S got to hear a blues %for her misery Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MISERY BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Early this morning : when everything was still Last Line: The next thing I give him : will be six feet of ground Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISERY BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I love my brownskin : indeed I do Last Line: Work is the thing : that's breaking my heart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISS ANNIE MORGAN, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I waved to miss annie morgan this morning Last Line: That's why I waved at miss annie Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama MISS BLODGER (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De rats an' de mice, dey rund up stairs Last Line: She 'spects to hit me, but I'se gwineter dodge her Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MISS BLUES'ES CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If the blues would let me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Negroes; American Blacks MISS BLUES'ES CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If the blues would let me Last Line: In my heart I'm crying, %I'm just miss blues'es child! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children MISS HANDY HANKS, by ARCHIE LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I got spreading mustard from north to south Last Line: Seeds taste good : right in your mouth Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISS LEE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Miss lee appeared Last Line: Valentine untouched Subject(s): African Americans; Love MISS LOUISA BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now ever since louisa you been gone : my life don't seem the same Last Line: Now but I'm scared that when you get back : louisa you ain't going to have no place to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISS MEAL CRAMP BLUES, by ALEC JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Lord I'm broke and hungry : and my money's all gone Last Line: Right now I could eat more : than a whole carload of tramps Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISS PEARL, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: She told immigrant stories Last Line: Up in shorter Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama MISS ROSIE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I watch you / wrapped like garbage Subject(s): African Americans - Women MISS ROSIE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I watch you %wrapped like garbage Last Line: Through your destruction %I stand up Subject(s): African Americans - Women MISS SLIPPY SLOPPY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole miss slippy sloppy jump up out'n bed Last Line: Dat he won't want no dinner, but a hole in de ground Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MISS TERRAPIN AND MISS TOAD (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: As I went marchin' down de road Last Line: For I didn't know zackly which to choose Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MISSING MAMA, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: Last year when mama died Last Line: I think about the good things now Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life MISSION OF THE FLOWERS, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In a lovely garden, filled with fair and blooming flowers Last Line: And lay her fairest buds and flowers upon the altars of love and truth Subject(s): African Americans - Women MISSIONARIES IN THE JUNGLE, by LINDA PIPER Poem Source First Line: In the clearing sands Last Line: Administering to garrulous black ghetto residents Subject(s): African Americans - Women MISSISSIPPI, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Death surrounds itself with the living Subject(s): Names; African Americans; Racism; Mississippi; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry MISSISSIPPI BO WEAVIL BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: It's a little boll weevil : she's moving in the air Last Line: Next time I seen you : you have your family there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISSISSIPPI BOTTOM BLUES, by KID BAILEY Poem Source First Line: Way down in mississippi : where I was bred and born Last Line: Nothing I had did : but was something she had heard Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISSISSIPPI JAIL HOUSE GROAN, by RUBIN LACY Poem Source First Line: Eee laying in jail now : with my back turned to the wall Last Line: If my woman kills me now : lord I'll pray to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISSISSIPPI LEVEE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Been workin' on de levee Last Line: From washin' over me? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MISSISSIPPI MOAN, by UNKNOWN+210 Poem Source First Line: Hey : something going on wrong Last Line: Lord I tried and tried : and I just can't let her go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISSISSIPPI RIVER BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Mississippi river : is so long deep and wide Last Line: Lord I'm going to get me a good girl : or jump overboard and drown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTER CHARLIE, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Why shouldn't I take a chance mama : when good luck comes along Last Line: Says I felt so lonesome : I didn't have my baby by my side Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTER SANDMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sandman walks abroad tonight Last Line: Has a dream in his sack to fit each child just right Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MISTREATED BLUES, by HENRY TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: My baby mistreat me : night and day Last Line: And some old day pretty baby : you'll do like I want you to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTREATED THE ONLY FRIEND YOU HAD, by JAMES+(2) COLE Poem Source First Line: Mistreat me baby : mistreat your only friend Last Line: I'm going to shoot my baby : just to see her fall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTREATIN' BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now you mistreat me : oh baby drove me from your door Last Line: For the gal that I'm crazy about : have took my appetite Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTREATIN' MAMA, by JAYBIRD COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: I done told you mama : ain't going to tell you no more Last Line: Lord I can't *let its* continue : don't care what I do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTREATIN' MAN, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: If your heart ain't iron : it must be marble stone Last Line: Sometime I believe I do : sometime I believe I don't Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTREATIN' WOMAN BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: Boys have you ever had a woman : and she didn't mean you no good Last Line: Because she's only been *you* : I cant tell *you about the* mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MISTREATING MAN BLUES, by SARA MARTIN Poem Source First Line: I've got the blues : since I made up my mind Last Line: *that's why* I can't go on : loving a mistreating man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MITCHELL CASE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see by the papers Last Line: Let alone having to take that dollar %to go and sue Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MOAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm deep in trouble Last Line: Somewhere in yo' sky. %yes, lord! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MOANIN' BLUES, by JOHN D. FOX Poem Source First Line: And I got a letter from my baby : and it said that she was dying Last Line: ??? *has beaten* mama : you're going to be sorry some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOANIN' THE BLUES, by ALLEN SHAW Poem Source First Line: When I woke up this morning : mama's feeling bad Last Line: Crying mmm : don't nobody know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOBILE-BUCK, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, come erlong, come erlong Last Line: Well done, meh lady! Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing & Dancers; Gullahs; Negroes; American Blacks MOJOE BLUES, by CHARLEY LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: Oh the mojo blues mama : crawling across the floor Last Line: That must not been : them lowdown things I had Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOLLY COTTAINTAIL, OR, GRAVEYARD RABBIT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole molly cottontail, %at night, w'en de moon's pale Last Line: My luck, it won't be fer sale Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MOLLY MAN, by MOSES MASON Poem Source First Line: Molly man's coming : I hear his voice Last Line: Says I can't hardly get them : out of my can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOLLY MEANS, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Old molly means was a hag and a witch Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women MOLLY MEANS, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old molly means was a hag and a witch Last Line: O molly, molly, molly means %lean is the ghost of molly means Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Women MOLLY MOOR, by GEORGE FAREWELL Poem Text First Line: Tully, the queen of beauty's boast Last Line: When she is up to ceres gone. Subject(s): African Americans; Courts & Courtiers; Negroes; American Blacks; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens MOM IS WOW!, by JULIA FIELDS Poem Source First Line: Mothers and finders and keepers Last Line: They are teachers of duties and rights. %mom is wow! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life MONKEY MAN BLUES, by CRIPPLE CLARENCE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: Some of these old days mama : some of these old and lonely nights Last Line: Because when I try to love you right baby : seems like my loving won't do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MONKEYIN' AROUND, by JAKE JONES Poem Source First Line: I'm going to buy me a pistol : hang it up side the wall Last Line: When he knows anything : she done got his dollar and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MONOTONY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today like yesterday Last Line: Tomorrow like today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MONROE'S BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Monroe's fell on evil days Last Line: Monroe sings a little blues %my woman and my friend is dead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MONTGOMERY, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: White woman have you heard %she is too tired to sit in the back Last Line: Seats will ride through twon %I walk for my children %my feet two hundred years old Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement; Parks, Rosa (b. 1913); Poetry And Poets MONTMARTRE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pigalle: %a neon rose Last Line: The petals %fall Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MONUMENT IN BLACK, by VANESSA HOWARD Poem Source First Line: Put my black father on the penny Last Line: All my black brothers in vietnam %resting idle in unkempt graves Subject(s): African Americans MONUMENTS FOR A FRIENDLY GIRL AT A TENTH GRADE PARTY, by WILLIAM EDGAR STAFFORD Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The only relics left are those long Subject(s): African Americans - History; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915) MOOCH RICHARSON'S LOW DOWN BARREL HOUSE BLUES PART 1, by MOOCH RICHARDSON Poem Source First Line: I got something :some people call it worse than blues Last Line: *sitting by the* ??? Lord : Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOON GOING DOWN, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Oh the moon is going down : baby sun's about to shine Last Line: I got to see my rider : where she's getting her dough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOON OF HUNGER, MOON OF COYOTE HOWL, by JUDY JORDAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heat waves rose with gas fumes from the pump Last Line: Earth this dark, dark star Subject(s): Automobiles - Service Stations; African Americans; Family Life; Poverty; Gasoline Stations; Filling Stations; Automobile Repair Shops; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MOONLIGHT IN VALENCIA: CIVIL WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Moonlight in valencia Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939); Negroes; American Blacks MOONLIGHT IN VALENCIA: CIVIL WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Moonlight in valencia Last Line: Bombers over %valencia Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) MOONLIGHT IS MY SPREAD, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: The blue sky is my blanket : and the moonlight is my spread Last Line: If the woman that you were loving : would mistreat you both night and day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOONLIGHT NIGHT: CARMEL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tonight the waves march Last Line: And beating the land's %edge into a swoon Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Sea; Seashore MOONSHINE, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I got to leave this town : I've got to go before the sun go down Last Line: I done made up in my mind : not to sell moonshine no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOONSHINE, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now and it's moonshine : moonshine do harm to many men Last Line: Moonshine will make you curse out : most anybody you meet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOONSHINE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I've been reeling and a-rocking : hounded like a hound Last Line: I'm going to stop : my running around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MORNING, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The mist has left the greening plain Last Line: "'tis morning, 'tis morning." Subject(s): African Americans; Morning; Negroes; American Blacks MORNING AFTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was so sick last night I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks MORNING AFTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was so sick last night I Last Line: You jesta little bit o' woman but you %sound like a great big crowd Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians MORNING AFTER - LOVE, by KATTIE M. CUMBO Poem Source First Line: Clouds fill the sky Last Line: On the morning after - love %I walk Subject(s): African Americans - Women MORNING DUKE ELLINGTON PRAISED THE LORD, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: A dip-dip %a dip-a-de-do. Do! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Ellington, Edward Kennedy ("duke") MORNING LIGHT (THE DEW-DRIER), by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Text First Line: Brother to the firefly Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks MORNING LIGHT (THE DEW-DRIER), by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: Brother to the firefly Last Line: Shall shape the earth for that fresh dawning %after the dews of blood? Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women MOSEKA'S WAY, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Sound of thunder in her voice Last Line: Where the heart sings, weary %but free Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music MOSES AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: He held the %record album high Last Line: And even now %I still do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Bible; Davis, Miles (1926-1991); Music And Musicians; Preaching And Preachers; Sermons; Ten Commandments MOSQUITO MOAN, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Lamp sits in my kitchen : mosquitoes all around my screen Last Line: I stepped back in my kitchen : and they springing up in my back yard Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOTHER CATHERINE, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My name is catherine Last Line: And showering down her blessings on her people Subject(s): African Americans MOTHER IN WARTIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As if it were some noble thing Last Line: Not that both %might lose Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MOTHER LOVE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Mom says %she remembers Last Line: I cried & she %was there Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Mothers MOTHER SAYS I AM SIX YEARS OLD (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My mammy says dat I'se too young Last Line: Jes since I'se gwine to heaben Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MOTHER TO SON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, son, I'll tell you Last Line: And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Mothers; Negroes; American Blacks MOTHER TONGUE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mama, %it is with a thief's luck Last Line: Prepare to birth myself Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers; Women MOTHER TONGUES-III, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Just think, all those tongues Last Line: People of africa, were %standing upright Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Art And Artists; Ethnic Identity; Poetry And Poets; Rwanda; U.s. - Race Relations MOTHER'S HABITS, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have all %my mother's habits Last Line: No longer caring %either Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans - Women MOTHERHOOD, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't knock on my door, little child Last Line: I cannot give you birth. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Variant Title(s): Black Woman Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Despair; Mothers; Pregnancy MOTHERLAND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dream of yesterday Last Line: In her bitter sorrow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MOTHERLESS CHILD BLUES, by ELVIE THOMAS Poem Source First Line: My mother told me : just before she died Last Line: Didn't have no blues : I couldn't be satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOTHERLESS CHILE BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: If I mistreat you gal : I sure don't mean no harm Last Line: If the lbues overtake me : going to rock on away from here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOTTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I play it cool Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MOTTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I play it cool Last Line: My motto, %as I live and learn %is %dig and be dug %in return Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MOURNING POEM FOR THE QUEEN OF SUNDAY, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lord's lost him his mockingbird Subject(s): African Americans; Mourning; Negroes; American Blacks; Bereavement MOURNING POEM FOR THE QUEEN OF SUNDAY, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lord's lost him his mockingbird Last Line: Who would have thought, %who would have thought she'd end that way? Subject(s): African Americans; Mourning MOURNING SLAVE FIANCEES (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Lokk down dat lonesome road! Look down! Last Line: Lef' many a mile behin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MOVE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had begun to whisper Last Line: Move / away Subject(s): African Americans; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Negroes; American Blacks MOVE, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Charlie eye-balls the dentist's Last Line: To his move %from kid %to can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) MOVE THAT THING, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: Last night : my gal went to bed Last Line: You haven't laid an egg : since I don't know when Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MOVIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The roosevelt, renaissance, gem, alhambra Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Motion Pictures; Negroes; American Blacks; Movies; Cinema MOVIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The roosevelt, renaissance, gem, alhambra Last Line: (hoolywood %laughs at me, %black %so I laugh back) Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Motion Pictures MOZELLE BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Mozelle : why can't we get along Last Line: Every time I hear somebody speaking about you : I will beat you in the *b w o l* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. CONDUCTOR MAN, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: I got up this morning : hear the train whistle blow Last Line: Lord and the woman I been loving : she don't want me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. CRUMP DON'T LIKE IT, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: If mr crump don't like it : he ain't going to have it here Last Line: Don't like my fruit : let my orange juice be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. DEVIL BLUES, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Good morning mr devil : I come here to chain you down Last Line: I'm going to ask dr jesus : if the devil ever been there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. FREDDIE'S KOKOMO BLUES, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: Won't you come on baby come on baby : let's go back to kokomo Last Line: When that train leaves tomorrow morning : I want to catch that morning train and ride Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. FURRY'S BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I wish I had : my poor heart in my hand Last Line: I'm going away to leave you : it will be too late to pray Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. HUGHE'S TOWN, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My mama told me : my sister too Last Line: Tell them : huddie ledbetter's done been here and gone Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. JOHNSON SWING, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Want all of you people to listen : while my guitar sings Last Line: If you were born with that rhythm : honest you can't never go wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. JOHNSON'S BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I want all you people to listen to my song Last Line: Remember me : after the days I'm gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. LESTER, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: I used to feel ugly Last Line: And I go right on %loving it Subject(s): African Americans; Love MR. MCTELL GOT THE BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I'm leaving town : baby going to leave my home Last Line: Some of these nice-looking women : going to take me to my grave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. SO AND SO BLUES, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Babe I feel so worried : yeah and I feel so low Last Line: *you're off having a binge* : you don't come home at all at night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MR. SYKES BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Mmm I done you wrong : but I won't do that no more Last Line: I'm watching everybody : I'm only watching my only best friend Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MRS. JOHNSON OBJECTS, by CLARA ANN THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: Come right in this house, will johnson Last Line: An' jest let me ketch you chasin' %aft' them white trash anymo' Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women MRS. SMALL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mrs. Small went to the kitchen for her pocketbook Last Line: Of the world's business Subject(s): Women's Rights; African Americans – Women; Insurance & Insurance Agents MUD-LOG POND (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: As I stepped down by de mud-log pond Last Line: An' I give him a dollar fer to let me pass Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MUDDY WATER BLUES, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: I know you heard the story : listen now people I know the song Last Line: Now before I'd stay with you : and take these lowdown dirty things you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MUHAMMAD ALI, by NAOMI FLOWE FAUST Poem Source First Line: In large numbers %we disdain guys and gals Last Line: He's king of the ring, %and he's 'the greatest.' Subject(s): African Americans; Ali, Muhammad (cassius Clay); Boxing And Boxers MULATTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am your son, white man! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MULATTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am your son, white man! Last Line: I am your son, white man %a little yellow %bastard boy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MULATTO LULLABY, by RALPH DICKEY Poem Source First Line: Be my stillborn son my son Last Line: Like you soaked in my womb Subject(s): African Americans MULE'S KICK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Is dis me, or not me Last Line: On de t'other side de creek Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MULE'S NATURE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you sees a mule tied up to a tree Last Line: It makes no diffunce what 'comes of a fool Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Well I'm laying here in this jailhouse : scared as any fool can be Last Line: And here they got me charged : with murder in the first degree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MUSE & DRUDGE (2), by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Why these blues come from us Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MUSHY LOVE, by KATHERINE HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: Pick me up : don't let me go Last Line: Because everybody's crazy : about mushy love Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MUSIC, by ALICE RUTH MOORE DUNBAR-NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Music! Lilting, soft and languorous Last Line: Music! With you, soul on your parted lips! %music - is you! Alternate Author Name(s): Nelson, Alice Dunbar (moore) Subject(s): African Americans - Women MY ANGEL, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: No one can hurt me %an angel comes to guard Last Line: Snatches me away %from all danger Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels MY ARKANSAS, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is deep brooding Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Arkansas MY AUNT ELLA MAE, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She was the first to tell me of juneteenth Subject(s): Aunts; African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MY BABE MY BABE, by BILL WILBER Poem Source First Line: My babe my babe : sure is good to me Last Line: I didn't have to do nothing : but lay around and throw it away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BABY, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I taken my baby : to the candy stand Last Line: She fell on her face : about the moneyman Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BABY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby Last Line: An' he kick lak a pony eatin' clover Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY BABY DON'T WANT ME NO MORE, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I don't believe : my baby wants me no more Last Line: Done left my good man : all on account of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BABY LEFT ME, by ROBERT PETWAY Poem Source First Line: My baby left me this morning : she did not even shake my hand Last Line: I'm going to leave in the morning now partner : with that little sweety sure god on my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BABY MADE A CHANGE, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now peoples I believe : somebody oh somebody's changed that lock on my door Last Line: Oh said you keep on fooling around sonny boy : says I swear one of them going to change your name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BABY'S DOGGIN' ME, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Now she dog me every morning : she dog me late at night Last Line: I love that little old woman : better than any woman that I ever seen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BABY'S GONE, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: My baby's gone : and I'm almost in my grave Last Line: Says my good gal she's gone : she didn't mean me no good at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BACK TO THE WALL, by IRENE SCRUGGS Poem Source First Line: Everybody is screaming trouble : times ain't like they used to be Last Line: Well a single man's all right : but he ain't got that married man's touch Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BELOVED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shall I make a record of your beauty Last Line: Years and paint you in the poem Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MY BLACK GAL BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Black gal she took meth : gave my brown *to her* death Last Line: I turned back my *chivver* : blues all in my bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BLACK MAMA--PART 1, by SON HOUSE Poem Source First Line: Well black mama : what's the matter with you today Last Line: I wouldn't mistreat you baby : for my weight in gold Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BLACK MAMA--PART 2, by SON HOUSE Poem Source First Line: Well I solemnly swear : lord I raise my right hand Last Line: That's all right mama : your troubles will come some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BLACK NAME BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I can hear my black name a-ringing : all up and down the line Last Line: Now I was just thinking my woman didn't love me : I hope she ain't in love with nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY BOY, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hear you singing happily Last Line: Before it melts in tears! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Children MY BOYS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My boys beauty is Last Line: Questioning over and over - %what is the meaning of this? Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Boys MY BROTHER IS HOMEMADE, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source Last Line: Grew darker %than most Subject(s): African Americans; Brothers MY BROWN MAMA BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Won't you tell me mama mama : what have I said *or done* Last Line: Lord it's soon in the morning : going to believe I'll leaving here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY CRIME BLUES, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: I got the blues for my baby : she got the blues for I say me Last Line: It ain't no fine for you : get ready for the electric chair Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY DAD IS A MAGICIAN, by LESLIE REESE Poem Source First Line: Frederick douglass, crispus attucks, toussaint l'ouverture Last Line: Old alabama negro straightener for burroughs, corp Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers MY DADDY WAS A MOVIN' MAN, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: We drinking whiskey : champagne and wine Last Line: Sell your stuff : to who you please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY DADDY'S FINGERS MOVE AMONG THE COUPLERS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: What do the couplers know %about being locked together? Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers MY DOG, CUFF (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a liddle dog, his name wus cuff Last Line: An' I guess dat speech is long enough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY DOGGONE LAZY MAN, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: He ain't worth the salt : that goes in his bread Last Line: The fool sat there : too tired to stand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY DREAM ABOUT BEING WHITE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Hey music and me / only white Last Line: Wake up / dancing Subject(s): African Americans - Women MY DREAM ABOUT BEING WHITE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hey music and me %only white Last Line: So I take them off and %wake up dancing Subject(s): African Americans - Women MY DREAM BLUES, by BLACK BOTTOM MCPHAIL Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tell all you people : my dream I had one week ago Last Line: Then I can sleep at night : and won't have to dream no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY DREAMS, MY WORKS, MUST WAIT TILL AFTER HELL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hold my honey and I store my bread Subject(s): African Americans - Military MY DREAMS, MY WORKS, MUST WAIT TILL AFTER HELL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hold my honey and I store my bread Last Line: To honey and bread old purity could love Subject(s): African Americans - Military MY FAMILY OF PEOPLE: DAD, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My daddy drives a train Last Line: Sometimes, he plays our piano Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life MY FAMILY OF PEOPLE: MOM, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My mommy wears flat earrings Last Line: Then mommy marks essay after essay Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life MY FATHER, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: With springtime my father comes alive Last Line: Now I live in the flow of that green time, %and my father lives there too Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers MY FATHER'S HEROES, by ALLISON JOSEPH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Not jfk, not mlk Last Line: The last words %she'd give them Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Athletes; Fathers; Jazz; Music And Musicians MY FATHER'S STORY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is an ancient story Last Line: Mindless of the winter's blast. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs MY FEET JUMPED SALTY, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Then the cow jumped salty : lord because it was against her rule Last Line: Now if you think that I liked it : ooo well you just a black eyed fool Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY FIDDLE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If my old fiddle wsu jes in chune Last Line: Hurrah fer my old fiddle an' bow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY FIRST AND MY SECOND WIFE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My fust liddle wife wus short an' fat Last Line: Den we'd be troubled in min'! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY FOLKS AND YOUR FOLKS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you an' yo' folks Last Line: Lak me an' my folks Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY FRIEND, by SAMUEL ALLEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I have a friend Last Line: Instead of him - my friend Alternate Author Name(s): Vesey, Paul Subject(s): African Americans; Racism MY FRIEND BLIND LEMON, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Dreamed last night : and all that night before Last Line: You's a long time coming : daddy but you welcome here Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY GAL TREATS ME MEAN, by WILEY BARNER Poem Source First Line: Take your picture : make it in a frame Last Line: In the corner : can get what I want Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY GAL'S DONE QUIT ME, by LUKE JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Well a-my gal had quit me : the talks all over town Last Line: Kept a-feeling my pocket : and I didn't have a lousy dime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY GEORGIA GRIND, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Look here papa : I don't mean no harm Last Line: Going down in georgia : where I get my grinding done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY GIFT TO YOU, by JOHARI MAHASIN RASHAD Poem Source First Line: My gift to you - a ring Last Line: Like arms to encircle you %with space to allow you to grow Subject(s): African Americans MY GRATITUDE, by CORNELIUS ROBERT EADY Poem Source First Line: I'm here %to tell you Last Line: I have proof, %and a job that comes %as simple to me %as breathing Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry And Poets MY GREY PONY, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: I got me a pony lord : and she already trained Last Line: Well well why break her heart : you know ooo lord treat her this way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY HANDY MAN, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Whoever said : a good man hard to find Last Line: I got a fresh place : every day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Take me, charlie says Last Line: Indifference, says nothing more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) MY HEART HAS KNOWN ITS WINTER, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little while spring will claim its own Last Line: My heart has known its winterand carried gall Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MY HEART HAS KNOWN ITS WINTER, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little while spring will claim its own Last Line: My heart has known its winter and carried gall Subject(s): African Americans MY HEART'S GONE A-WEEPING (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Come un'er! Come un'er! My honey, my love, my heart's above Last Line: Case my heart's gone a weepin, 'way down below de trees Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY HERO; TO ROBERT GOULD SHAW, by BENJAMIN GRIFFITH BRAWLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Flushed with the hope of high desire Last Line: And galahad to me. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers MY JOHN BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: You take a southbound *regular* : you ride my weary blues away Last Line: If I find her with my john : I'll slice and I'll cut and send her to her grave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY LAST NAME, by NICOLAS GUILLEN Poem Source First Line: Ever since school Last Line: Foreign and free as the air Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors And Ancestry; Ethnic Identity; Freedom; Slavery MY LITTLE DREAMS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm folding up my little dreams Last Line: Tonight, within my heart. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Dreams; Nightmares MY LITTLE GIRL, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: I say my little girl : just as sweet as she can be Last Line: But the way you doing : I swear it's coming back home to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY LITTLE MACHINE, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Oh yes :something getting wrong with my little machine Last Line: Baby you is so sweet : but you just won't be true Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY LITTLE PIG (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You see: I had a liddle pig Last Line: Dat he learn in de cool Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY LORD, WHAT A MORNING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Look in my god's right hand, %when de stars begin to fall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY LOVES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I love to see the big white moon Last Line: But better than all these things I think, %I love my lady love Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MY MAMA MOVED AMONG THE DAYS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Then seemed like she turned around and ran %right back in %right back on in Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers; Women MY MAMA WAS A SAILOR, by JULIUS DANIELS Poem Source First Line: My mama was a sailor : she love the ocean life Last Line: Tell them julius daniels : done been here and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MAN BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: My man my man : treats me so lowdown Last Line: Says I'm sorry for you woman : another woman has taken your place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MAN IS BOOGAN ME, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Just one thing : I want my man to know Last Line: And he knows doggone well : the times is done got hard Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MAN JUMPED SALTY ON ME, by ROSETTA CRAWFORD Poem Source First Line: Going down to the river : take a rope and a rock Last Line: Cut him if he stands still : shoot him if he runs Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MAN LET ME PULL YOUR COAT, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All praise be to %allah Last Line: Labbayka! %my man-let me Subject(s): African Americans MY MAN'S UP THE RIVUH, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY MARY BLUES, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Early one morning : *my mind* ??? Last Line: That's when I get back home : can't anyone tell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MEAN BABY BLUES, by WILLIE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: When my baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye Last Line: Some day you doing to want to love the poor boy : and I'll be done changed my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MELLOW MAN, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: Mmm : oh my mellow man Last Line: But that ain't his name : his name is plain leroy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY MULE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Las' saddy mornin' mosser said Last Line: An' I rid him till I thought he'd bust Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY NATURAL MAMA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My natural mama %is gingerbread Last Line: Is gingerbread, %brown and spicy sweet Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME, by STEPHEN COLLINS FOSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The sun shines bright on our old kentucky home Last Line: For our old kentucky home far away. Variant Title(s): My Old Kentucky Home, Good-night!;my Old Kentucky Home, Negro Song Subject(s): Absence; African Americans; Homesickness; Kentucky; Separation; Isolation; Negroes; American Blacks MY OTHER MOTHER, by EVA JOOR WILLIAMS Poem Text First Line: When did I know you first? I cannot say Last Line: "mah lil w'ite chilluns of mah earthly home?" Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Child Care; Mothers; Baby Sitters; Governesses MY PEOPLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The night is beautiful Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Poem Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MY PEOPLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The night is beautiful Last Line: Beautiful, also, is the sun. %beautiful, also, are the souls of my people Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Poe Subject(s): African Americans MY ROAD IS ROUGH AND ROCKY, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: You don't believe I'm traveling : on the road somewhere Last Line: I could hear something pushing : all around my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY SILVER DOLLAR MAMA, by HOUND HEAD HENRY Poem Source First Line: The gal I love : she lives on a silver dollar Last Line: But the gal on the dollar : that's the sweetest baby for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY SPECKLED HEN (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Somebody stole my speckled hen Last Line: Member dat hen wid 'er shinin' wing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MY WASH WOMAN'S GONE, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: My baby's *deaf-toweled* : can't hardly hear Last Line: Cried lord have mercy : if you please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY WELL IS DRY, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says I never missed my water : not until my well went dry Last Line: Says I got a hard-hearted woman : and she don't know how to treat me right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY WIFE DROVE ME FROM THE DOOR, by CHARLEY LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: When I came home this morning : my wife she met me at the door Last Line: Say I got a brown : says I can hear her laugh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY WOMAN'S GONE WRONG, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Now I woke up this morning : my woman was standing over me Last Line: Because you got me all wrong baby : honey that was another man's wife Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) MY WONDERFUL TRAVEL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I come from ole virginny Last Line: A-pickin' up de pies Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MYSTERIOUS FACE WASHING (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I wash my face in de watah Last Line: An' I dries it in de sun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs MYSTERY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When a chile gets to be thirteen Last Line: A jack-leg preacher, a ph.D. %the mytery %and the darkness %and the song %and me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans MYTHMAKER, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We lived by the words / of gods, mythologies Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping MYTHMAKER, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We lived by the words %of gods, mythologies Last Line: Not like now. Not like now Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping NAACP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see by the papers Last Line: To break old jim crow's course Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement NADHVILLE STONEWALL BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I stayed in jail : it was thirty long days Last Line: I get out I'm going to that woman : and I'll be right back again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NAI, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Nai a shimmering silvered colored lake Last Line: She is the geechee %in me Subject(s): African Americans - Women NANA, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My heart, listen Last Line: Speak if you will, for both of us Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Hearts; Love NAOLA BEAUTY ACADEMY, NEW ORLEANS, 1945, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Made hair? The girls here Variant Title(s): Naloa Beauty Academy, New Orleans, Louisiana 1943 Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping NAOLA BEAUTY ACADEMY, NEW ORLEANS, 1945, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Made hair? The girls here Last Line: Light, slight, and polite. %not a one out of place Variant Title(s): Naloa Beauty Academy, New Orleans, Louisiana 194 Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping NAOMI WATCHES AS RUTH SLEEPS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She clings to me Last Line: I can grieve in peace. Subject(s): African Americans; Naomi (bible); Peace; Women In The Bible; Negroes; American Blacks NAPPY EDGES (A ACROSS COUNTRY SOJOURN), by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: St. Louis - such a colored town - a whiskey Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women NAPPY EDGES (A ACROSS COUNTRY SOJOURN), by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: St. Louis - such a colored town - a whiskey Last Line: This is my space %I am not movin Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women NAPPY HEAD BLUES, by BOBBY GRANT Poem Source First Line: When you hear me walking : turn your lamp down low Last Line: And you must a-want me : to lay down and die for you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NAPTOWN BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Nobody knows old naptown : baby like I do Last Line: Because there ain't nobody : knows old naptown like I know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NARROW FACE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+219 Poem Source First Line: You can talk about burnt liver : but narrow-face is the meat I crave Last Line: *johnny* it with you : and eat those narrow-face too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NASHVILLE LADIES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dem nashville ladies dress up fine Last Line: Big pig! Liddle pig! Root hog, or die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NASHVILLE WOMEN'S BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Folks up north : you all have heard the blues Last Line: They way they strut : is really no bluff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NAT TURNER, by NUBIA KAI Poem Source First Line: This feelin is limestone Last Line: Blows %so freely %thru your soul %this way Subject(s): African Americans; Turner, Nat (1800-1831) NATCHA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Natcha, offering love Last Line: Come drink, kisses. %a long, dream night with me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NATIVE, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Down the unspun swerve of trackless weeds Last Line: Conveys to seed Subject(s): African Americans NATIVE ABROAD (TO EARL ANDERZA), by J. ANTHONY STOWERS Poem Source First Line: I must have a culture Last Line: That's my culture! My love! %my country! Subject(s): African Americans NATURALLY, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since naturally black is naturally beautiful Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Pride; Self-esteem; Self-respect NATURALLY, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since naturally black is naturally beautiful Last Line: Proud beautiful black women %could better make use %black bread Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Pride NAUGHTY CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The naughty child Last Line: In a very nice town Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEAR WALDO TEE-DO GAVE ME A SUIT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Near waldo tee-do is my sweetheart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NECESSITY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Work? / I don't have to work Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Men; Negroes; American Blacks NECESSITY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Work? %I don't have to work Last Line: Which is why I reckon I does %have to work after all Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Men NEED MORE BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Need-more : it has hung a-many men Last Line: Get all my loving : you let mr so-and-so go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEEDIN' MY WOMAN BLUES, by ROBERT HILL Poem Source First Line: My baby's gone : please don't wait till day Last Line: Ain't nothing in this world boys : lord for your black man to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEEDLE AND THREAD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I had a needle and a thread Last Line: And fly to the eastern shore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEGRO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a negro Last Line: Black like the depths of my africa. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks - History; Negroes; American Blacks NEGRO AND THE POLICEMAN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Old mistah policeman, tu'n me loose Last Line: Well, hello, sarah jane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEGRO BAKER MAN (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Patty cake! Patty cake! Nigger baker man Last Line: An' scrub 'im off good fer de ole san' man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEGRO DANCERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Me an' ma baby's Last Line: Two mo' ways to do de charleston!' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing And Dancers NEGRO GHETTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I looked at their black faces Last Line: Their far-too-humble feet Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEGRO GIRL, by IRENE COOPER ALLEN Poem Text First Line: Negro girl, - tall, dusky - skinned diana Last Line: Ignorant, are you happy? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Cosmetics; Slavery; Serfs NEGRO IN NEW YORK, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I had forgotten so much in the south Last Line: For this is one thing that you do not know, new york Subject(s): African Americans; New York City NEGRO LAUGHS BACK, by MARY JENNESS Poem Source First Line: You laugh, and I must hide the wound Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NEGRO LAUGHTER, by ANITA SCOTT COLEMAN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NEGRO MOTHER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Children, I come back today Last Line: For I will be with you till no white brother %dares to keep down the children of the negro mother Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Mothers NEGRO MOTHER TO HER CHILD, by VICTOR JEREMY JEROME Poem Source First Line: Quit yo' wailin' honey bo' Last Line: Brek dat prison down Subject(s): African Americans - Children NEGRO PEDDLER'S SONG, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Good lady, %I have corn and beets Last Line: And also sweet potat-y Subject(s): African Americans; Peddlers And Peddling NEGRO SERVANT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All day subdued, polite Last Line: O, sweet reief from faces that are white Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEGRO SOLDIER'S CIVIL WAR CHANT: OLD ABE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole abe (god bless 'is ole soul!) Last Line: An' de slave'll be free %in dese hard times Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEGRO SOLDIERS, by ROSCOE C. JAMISON Poem Text First Line: These truly are the brave Last Line: That those who mock might find a better way! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Soldiers NEGRO SOLDIERS OF AMERICA: WHAT WE ARE FIGHTING FOR, by LUCIAN B. WATKINS Poem Source First Line: We fight-and for democracy Last Line: Peace and its happiness at home! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; World War I NEGRO SPIRITUAL: I THANK GOD I'M FREE AT LAS', by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: Free at las' - free at las' Last Line: I thank god I'm free at las' Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals NEGROES, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The loose eyes of an old man Last Line: Softened in a long-forgotten cradle. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks NEGROES, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One night in april or may Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Cruelty; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry NEGROES LYNCHED IN MISSISSIPPI, by JOHN FREEMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: So always, justice drowsy and hate rising Last Line: Proffering his blood to pleasure antichrist. Subject(s): African Americans; Capital Punishment; Jesus Christ; Lynching; Mississippi; Murder; Negroes; American Blacks; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty NEGROES NEVER DIE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Nigger! Nigger never die! Last Line: Whirl, an' give his feet a fling. Nigger! Nigger! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEHI BLUES, by BLIND JOE REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: Some girls wear short dresses : some of these married women wear them too Last Line: They work hard all the time : trying to stay in these young men's ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEHI MAMA BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: White man take the blues : he walk to the river and sit down Last Line: The nehi women keep me : everywhere I go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEIGHBOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down home / he sets on a stoop Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Negroes; American Blacks NEIGHBOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down home %he sets on a stoop Last Line: Sometimes %he don't drink %true, %he just %lets his glass %set there Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City) NEO-HOODOO MANIFESTO, SELS., by ISHMAEL REED Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Neo-hoodoo is a 'lost american church' updated Last Line: You can't keep a good church down Subject(s): African Americans; Religion NEON SIGNS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonder bar / wishing well / monterey Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Negroes; American Blacks NEON SIGNS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonder bar %wishing well %monterey Last Line: Mirror-go-round %where broken glass %in the early bright smears re-bop %sound Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City) NEPHEWS, by STELLA CREWS Poem Source First Line: When thesed tall black men Last Line: The delicate gurgle of crib laughter %after a good tickle Subject(s): African Americans NESTING (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De jaybird build on a swingin' lim' Last Line: An' de gander on de t'other side o' jordan Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEVER DRIVE A BEGGAR FROM YOUR STREET, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: If you see a blind man : on the street Last Line: Never drive : a beggar from your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEVER GO WRONG BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: Now boys I once had a good woman : but I really did not treat her right Last Line: Because a real good woman : can't be found every day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEVER LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND DO, by LIL JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I had the blues last night : I've got them again today Last Line: Don't let your left hand : know what your right hand do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEVER MIND BLUES, by GEORGIA BOYD Poem Source First Line: Never mind : honey never mind Last Line: Spread your heart : babe just like mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEVER ON PRIME TIME, by LUCY E. THORNTON-BERRY Poem Source First Line: My man won't be %seen on television Last Line: Wome wouldn't want %them any more Subject(s): African Americans NEVER SEEN THE LAKE SINCE GETTIN' UPSTAIRS, SELS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went right down to the muddy, muddy pond Last Line: The fire kept a-runnin' out of joe gump's boots Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEVER TELL A WOMAN FRIEND, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: If you start telling her : he's got the stuff Last Line: Because what you got must suit him : that's the surest sign Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW BLACK SNAKE BLUES--PART 1, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Something keep a-moaning : I don't know what it is Last Line: The black snake is got the dough : you can't roll him from home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW BLACK SNAKE BLUES--PART 1, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: In my path lay a black snake : about eight or nine inches long Last Line: Wonder if he's got another woman : lord since he been gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW BLACK SNAKE MOAN, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Ooh : I ain't got no mammy now Last Line: That old black snake mama : done run my darling home Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW BUMBLE BEE, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I got a bumblebee : don't sting nobody but me Last Line: He stinging somebody : everywhere he lands Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW CABARET GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That little yaller girl Last Line: Babe you can't %live that way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEW CALVARY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The saintly congregation of calvary baptist church in birmingham (white) Last Line: To the finest sermon he has ever preached Subject(s): African Americans; Churches NEW COME BACK BABY, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Now you must have a heart : like a rock in the sea Last Line: But I like to please you : every once in a while Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW DAY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She coaxes her fat in front of her Last Line: If she understands at all what I am saying Subject(s): African Americans - Women NEW DIRTY DOZENS, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I don't want them banties : mixed up with my *dominics* Last Line: They all got drunk : and showed their santa claus Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW FALLING RAIN BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Storm is rising : and the rain begin to fall Last Line: Every once in a while : I can hear my baby call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW FLOWERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So many little flowers Last Line: But the newly budding blossoms %are equally gay Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Cycl Subject(s): African Americans NEW FOLK, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said folk was dressed in blues but hairier and hemped. Last Line: "til it stilled. ""when the moon's black,"" I said. ""be faithful" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music NEW HIGHWAY NO. 51, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Highway fifty: runs right by my baby's door Last Line: Come out to little tommy's cabin : he lives on highway fifty-one Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW HOUSE, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Two years before we moved to ohio Last Line: And not going back to grandmama's house Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama NEW HOW LONG HOW LONG BLUES--PART 2, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I'm going to the country : put my watch in pawn Last Line: But I will ride the rods baby : to be with you again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW HUNTSVILLE JAIL, by JOE EVANS Poem Source First Line: Write me a letter : and send it by mail Last Line: Cockroaches and chinches : begin to crawl over my breast Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW LOUISE LOUISE BLUES, by JOHNNIE TEMPLE Poem Source First Line: Louise left me this morning : she never said a word Last Line: But she cooked my breakfast : brings it to my bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW MINGLEWOOD BLUES, by NOAH LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I was born in the desert : I was raised in the lion's den Last Line: Says there's womens in the camp : don't mean no man no good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW MOON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's a new young moon Last Line: Veiling her face like a virgin %waiting for a lover Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEW SHAKE THAT THING, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: So cold up north : till the birds can't sing Last Line: The train come along : and it broke my back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW SITTIN' ON TOP OF THE WORLD, by LONNIE CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Made a date today : early or late Last Line: To keep these men : from stealing my loving from me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW SOMEDAY BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: When trouble first started : down in my front door Last Line: You done made me love you : now your man done come Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I speak in the name of the black millions Last Line: A new dream flames %against the %sun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEW ST. LOUIS BLUES: MARKET STREET WOMAN, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Market street woman is known fuh to have dark days Last Line: Let her git what she can git, 'fo dey lays on de coolin' board Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Jazz; Music And Musicians NEW STOCK YARD BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: Listen here men : what I've got to say Last Line: Speak to mr kelly : he's the auctioneer Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW STOP AND LISTEN BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Lord I went to the graveyard : and I peeped down in her face Last Line: ??? : you didn't want ooo me nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW SUGAR MAMA, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Sugar mama sugar mama : won't you please come back to me Last Line: You know I don't like nothing but my sugar : and that's what it takes to ease my misery Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW TWO SIXTEEN BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: I got a woman in dallas : got one in san antonio too Last Line: Honey I'm going to stop in town : I believe that I haven't never been before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW WALTY DOG, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: Said come in here : and you shut that door Last Line: She shakes her shimmy : to who she pleases Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW WAY OF LIVING BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I got a new way of living : everybody can catch on Last Line: So if one wants to quit : I can turn her *go* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW YEAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The years %fall like dry leaves Last Line: That another leaf has fallen Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NEW YORK BLUES, by BLIND ROOSEVELT GRAVES Poem Source First Line: I got a brown in new york : what I am afraid Last Line: If I *just tell her* in her face baby : *that will* ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NEW YORKERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was born here Last Line: She lifted her lips %in the dark: the same old spark! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; New York City NEWLY WEDS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: First mont': 'set down in my cabin, honey!' Last Line: You well to wuk as I Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NEXT WEEK SOMETIME, by ALEC JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I went out last night I got drunk : I was in whiskey up to my head Last Line: He says look here brother : when are you going to rest Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NIAGARA FALL BLUES, by KID COLE Poem Source First Line: I got the niagara falls blues : pretty mama keeps a-worrying you Last Line: I looked around for my baby : daddy I can't use you yet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NICKEL'S WORTH OF LIVER BLUES, by EDITH NORTH JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of stew Last Line: I'll kill you about him : and my hand won't even quiver Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NIGGER, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the nigger Last Line: I am the nigger. Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry NIGGER IN A PHOTOGRAPH, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: Accursed. The curse which with its curving unsheathed letter will never leave Last Line: It is not out of pity, but I am worried it won't pass. The curve of the letter u Subject(s): African Americans; Photography And Photographers NIGGER ISLAND, by GARY FINCKE Poem Source First Line: At noon, near the river, the guide Last Line: The hypnosis of names sending %us upland to our painless homes Subject(s): African Americans; Revolutions; Slavery NIGGER; A CHANT FOR CHILDREN, by FRANK HORNE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Little black boy %chased down the street Last Line: Black face an' shiney eye, %nigger...Nigger...Nigger' Subject(s): African Americans NIGHT COMES WALKING, by ESTHER POPEL Poem Source First Line: Night comes walking out our way Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NIGHT FUNERAL IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night funeral Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks NIGHT FUNERAL IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night funeral Last Line: That poor boy's %funeral grand. %night funeral %in harlem Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NIGHT IS LIKE AN AVALANCHE, by BESSIE MAYLE Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NIGHT JOE LOUIS WENT 21-0 BY DROPPING TAMI MAURIELLO, by WILLIAM KLOEFKORN Poem Source First Line: I'm babysitting he garlow boy Last Line: We'd otherwise indulge by crying Subject(s): African Americans; Boxing And Boxers; Louis, Joe (1914-1981); Sports NIGHT RAINS HOT TAR, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source First Line: The night rains hot tar into my throat Last Line: The coaldust in my veins to come to fire before I die! Subject(s): African Americans NIGHT SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the dark %before the tall Last Line: Fainted away %in the %dark Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NIGHT TIME BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Nighttime's falling : the day is almost dawned Last Line: But I'm just broken-hearted : trying to overcome these nighttime blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NIGHT'S PROTEGE, by MARJORIE MARSHALL Poem Source First Line: Child of bewitching night Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NIGHT, DEATH, MISSISSIPPI, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A quavering cry. Screech-owl? Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; South (u.s.) NIGHT, DEATH, MISSISSIPPI, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A quavering cry. Screech-owl? Last Line: O night betrayed by darkness not its own Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Southern States NIGHT: FOUR SONGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night of the two moons Last Line: Night of the four songs unsung %sorrow! Sorrow! %sorrow!Sorrow! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NIGHTMARE BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a dream %and I could see Last Line: Rolling bass, %whirling treble %of cat-gut lace Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NIKKI-ROSA, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Childhood remembrances are always a drag / if you're black Last Line: All the while I was quite happy Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Variant Title(s): Nikki-roasa Subject(s): African Americans - Children; African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Women NINETIES, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Had to leave the south Last Line: But would never live in %mine Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama NINETY-EIGHT DEGREE BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: I'm going to get up in the morning: do like buddy brown Last Line: If she don't love me: she won't love nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NINETY-NINE YEAR BLUES, by JULIUS DANIELS Poem Source First Line: I'm take me my pistol : three rounds of ball Last Line: Give you ninety-nine : don't come back here no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO BABY BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Hey no more baby : I ain't got no more baby now Last Line: That poor child got drownded : sailing after me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO DOUGH BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: It's a hard time now : good man can't get no dough Last Line: I'm going to get me a job : keep coal in your cold kitchen range Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO EASY RIDER BLUES, by GERTRUDE PERKINS Poem Source First Line: I walked all night : got a few more miles to go Last Line: When you ain't here to love me : I'll simply hey hey Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO EXCUSES, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: My last report card Last Line: To love you Subject(s): African Americans; Love NO GOOD MAN, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm one woman : who can't use a no-good man Last Line: That's a two-faced woman : and a lying man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO GOOD WOMAN BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: I got a no-good woman : and she sure don't mean me no good Last Line: But she's taught me a lesson : about no-good women and men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO GOOD WOMAN BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: I don't want no woman : partner that wants every man in town Last Line: I'm going to fill you car with gasoline : and meet you going downtown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO GOOD WOMAN BLUES, by JESSIE BABYFACE THOMAS Poem Source First Line: What makes some women : when you treat them so nice and kind Last Line: Now you ain't got nobody : and a good man's hard to find Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO IMAGES, by WARING CUNEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She does not know / her beauty Subject(s): African Americans - Women NO IMAGES, by WARING CUNEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She does not know %her beauty Last Line: And dish water gives back no images Subject(s): African Americans - Women NO JOB BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I been walking all day : and all night too Last Line: I got to get me another meal ticket woman : so I won't have to work no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO MATTER HOW SHE DONE IT, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: I know a gal : by the name of marylou Last Line: She shook it for the judge : and put the cop in jail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO MORE GOOD WATER, by JAYBIRD COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: Says there's no more good water : because this pond is dry Last Line: Hey pretty mama : tell me what have you done Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO MORE LOVE POEMS #1, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ever since I realized there waz someone callt / a colored girl an evil woman Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women NO MORE LOVE POEMS #1, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ever since I realized there waz someone callt %a colored girl an evil woman Last Line: I cdnt stand bein sorry & cololred at the same time %it's so redundant in the modern world Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women NO MORE WOMAN BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Lord she won't pick cotton: girl won't pick no corn Last Line: Lord I walked all last night: and all last night before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO NO BLUES, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : my good gal was gone Last Line: I long to hear : some good gal call my good gal call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO NO BLUES, by CURLEY WEAVER Poem Source First Line: Got up this morning : my good pal was gone Last Line: Don't let no woman : make a fool out of make a fool out of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NO REGRETS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of love Last Line: Though the return %be never Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NO ROOM TO POKE FUN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Nev' min' if my nose are flat Last Line: An' de bullfrog hain't no beauty Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NO WOMAN NO NICKEL, by AMOS EASTON Poem Source First Line: I'm cold in hand : can't get nothing here Last Line: Lord you know I want a friend : like the one that adam had Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOBODY KNOWS, by HAMBONE WILLIE NEWBERN Poem Source First Line: There was one old brother : by the name of mose Last Line: Got way back : and done the double eagle rock Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOBODY KNOWS DE TROUBLE I'VE HAD, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text Last Line: "what make ole satan hate me so? O yes, lord! / because he got me once and he let me go, o yes, lord Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT, by BOBBY LEECAN Poem Source First Line: Now I went downtown : along broadway Last Line: He said he lost on that number : the very same way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Once I lived the life : of a millionaire Last Line: Nobody wants me : around their door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOBODY LOOKING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Well: I look dis a way, an' I look dat a way Last Line: An' I drink'd up all o' de beer Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs NOBODY UT MY BABY IS GETTING MY LOVE, by BESSIE BROWN Poem Source First Line: Now some folks say : that love is blind Last Line: Because I don't believe : in that two-time stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOBODY'S DIRTY BUSINESS, by MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Poem Source First Line: Some of these mornings : going to wake up crazy Last Line: Oh you take me back : I'll treat you better Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOCTURNAL SOUNDS, by KATTIE M. CUMBO Poem Source First Line: Trembling novemeber winds %steam whistling in tenement pipes Last Line: Sleep comes to close the ears of %the mind to night sounds of this world Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Sound NOCTURNE, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This cool night is strange Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NOCTURNE, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Listening for the sound %of my own %voice Last Line: And the color of blue %everywhere Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOCTURNE AT BETHESDA, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I thought I saw an angel flying low Subject(s): African Americans; Bible; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology NOCTURNE AT BETHESDA, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I thought I saw an angel flying low Last Line: You are sad. It is the same with me Subject(s): African Americans; Bible; Religion NOCTURNE FOR THE DRUMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gay little devils %that hide in gin Last Line: The quick red hour %before the day Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOMEN (TO FEMI SODIPO AND MY AFRICAN-AMERICAN ANCESTORS), by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My sunlight came pre-packaged Last Line: And having no need to let myself be robbed %a second time Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Fathers And Daughters NONETTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You wound my soul with a thousand spears Last Line: But your poor heart breaks, too, and you, too, die Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NORDIC, by LILLIAN BYRNES Poem Source First Line: He takes his love much as he takes his wine Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NORTH BOUND BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Going north child : where I can be free Last Line: *so I won't be alone* : can hear my northbound blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NORTH MEMPHIS BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I tell all you people : you can rest at ease Last Line: You go to north memphis cafe : get something you never had Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NORTHBOUN', by LUCY ARIEL WILLIAMS Poem Text First Line: O' de wurl' ain't flat Last Line: I'm upward boun'. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks NORTHERN LIBERAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And so %we lick our chops at birmingham Last Line: Where you, %not I %am Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOSTALGIA, by MARJORIE MARSHALL Poem Source First Line: I shall go forth from here Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women NOT A MOVIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well the rocked him with road-apples Last Line: But, thank god , he wasn't dead! %and there ain't no ku klux on a 133rd Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Elections; Harlem (new York City); Racism; Southern States NOT ELSE -- BUT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hip boots %deep in the blues Last Line: Do, jesus! %lord %amen Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOT I ALONE, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Because I am not just I alone Last Line: And I cannot ignore it Subject(s): African Americans NOT OFTEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I seldom see %a kangaroo Last Line: But there's no %picture Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOT THAT FAR: CANARY ISLANDS, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: We touched land Last Line: A man of tenerife %gave me %his island Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: EGYPT, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Stone for stone Last Line: I wasn't going that far Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: GIBRALTAR, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Great rocks frighten Last Line: Little people Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: GREECE, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Marble cools Last Line: Turned to dry stone %dusk Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: ITALY, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: In naples %it was beads Last Line: With his blessed toes %kissed off Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: MADEIRA, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Go slowly Last Line: To sweeten the air of madeira Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: PORTUGAL, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Once above the sea Last Line: The ceiling fell down %on their heads Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: RHODES, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Something once bloomed Last Line: White knights slept here Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: SPAIN, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Granada %seville and cordoba Last Line: A matador buried his sword %in a bank of roses Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: THE HOLY LAND, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Along the way Last Line: Held out his lamb for me Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: THE TRIP BACK, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: The whip will never tame Last Line: And I can't see Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: TUNISIA, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Dragon seas breathed white death Last Line: Now carthage grows daisies Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: TURKEY, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Remember %the fiery blue of planets Last Line: Do stab %the darkness Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT THAT FAR: YUGOSLAVIA, by MAY MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: From the tender Last Line: Time is turning in black hills Subject(s): African Americans - Women NOT WHAT WAS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: By then the poetry is written Last Line: Before the rose had gone Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOTE IN MUSIC, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Life is for the living Last Line: And death a note unsaid Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOTE OF HUMILITY, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When all our hopes are sown on stony ground Last Line: An hour or two, but it will not be soon Subject(s): African Americans NOTE ON COMMERCIAL THEATRE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You've taken my blues and gone Last Line: I reckon it'll be %me myself! %yes it'll be me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOTE TO ALL NAZIS FASCISTS AND KLANSMEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You delight, %so it would seem Last Line: Out of you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NOTHIN IN RAMBLING, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I's born in louisiana : I raised in algiers Last Line: But I'm going to stay right here : and eat these old charity beans Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOTHING BUT THE BLUES, by CLEO GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I'm so blue : just as blue as I can be Last Line: Because these mens in atlanta : about to let my hambone spoil Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOTORIETY WOMAN BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I got a notoriety woman : she about to drive me wild Last Line: Everybody knows : when my notoriety woman come to town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NOW'S THE TIME (TAKE 1): 1. CELERITY, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Drizzly dawn. She Last Line: Johnson's hook and jab Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) NOW'S THE TIME (TAKE 1): 2. NOW'S THE TIME, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Later. Mama Last Line: Think I must have said Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) NOW'S THE TIME (TAKE 1): 3. AFTER YOU'RE GONE, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Later. Down to their Last Line: Leave her front door cracked Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) NOW'S THE TIME (TAKE TWO) BIRD, APPLE BOUND, BOARDS KAYCEE, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Perch-poised Last Line: And hold on tight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) NUDE YOUNG DANCER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What jungle tree have you slept under Last Line: To what clean boy have you offered your lips Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NUMBER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When faith in black candles Last Line: That hasn't yet %been won? %??? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NUMBER 4, by JR. DOUGHTRY LONG Poem Source First Line: Where my grandmother lived Last Line: Ethiopia, ethiopa %e-th-io-piaaaaa! Subject(s): African Americans NUMBER FIVE BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Number five number five : please bring my baby back to me Last Line: Well I know you didn't love me : now I'm going to find me some other place to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NUMBER NINE BLUES, by BLIND CLYDE CHURCH Poem Source First Line: Down on number nine : where the m and m men go Last Line: Drink good whiskey : gin and wine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NUMBER THREE BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: I lost all my money : I got nowhere to go Last Line: I got to stay there : to eat them all by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) NUMBERED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think my days are numbered Last Line: I spend my nights with you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NUMBERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I ever hit for a dollar Last Line: Combinate a little %with my rent Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans NUMBERS, LETTERS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you're not home, where Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks NUMBERS, LETTERS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you're not home, where Last Line: Today is the history we must learn %to desire. There is no guilt in love Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism NUT FACTORY BLUES, by HI HENRY BROWN Poem Source First Line: Jellyroll keep working : just about sixteenth street Last Line: Well you hear one jellybean ask the other one : which way did the good girl go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) O BLACK AND UNKNOWN BARDS, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O black and unknown bards of long ago Last Line: You sang a race from wood and stone to christ. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Bards; Jesus Christ; Slavery; Serfs O SOUTHLAND!, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O southland! O southland! Last Line: The faint one at his side. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; South (u.s.) OCTOBER, by ISABEL NEILL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Now gypsy fires burn bright in every tree Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women OCTOBER 16: THE RAID, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Perhaps / you will remember Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks OCTOBER 16: THE RAID, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Perhaps %you will remember Last Line: You will recall %john brown Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OCTOBER LAMENT, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Frame angular, skeleton Last Line: Upon my wilted spirit %drop by mournful drop Subject(s): African Americans ODE TO BIG TREND, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pretty soon the negroes were looking to get paid. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; African Americans; Work; Workers; Negroes; American Blacks ODE TO DINAH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the quarter of the negroes %where to snow now acclimated Last Line: And by mistake shot out the light Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ODE TO ETHIOPIA, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: O mother race! To thee I bring Last Line: Of ethiopia's glory. Subject(s): African Americans; Ethiopia; Negroes; American Blacks OF DE WITT WILLIAMS ON HIS WAY TO LINCOLN CEMETERY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: He was born in alabama Last Line: Nothing but a plain black boy. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks OF EARTH, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: A mountain %is earth's mouth Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women OF MEN AND CLOUDS, by SHIRLEY HAYDEN-WHITNEY Poem Source First Line: Men like clouds must cry sometime Last Line: To cry sometime Subject(s): African Americans OF WALTER WHITE'S FATHER IN THE RAIN, by JR. HOUSTON A. BAKER Poem Source First Line: Denied %like bessie Last Line: Passing in the rain, separate, %and forever unequalled Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Racism; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) OFF FROM RICHMOND (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se off from richmon' sooner in de mornin' Last Line: Fer I mus' see my donie wharever she may stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OFFICE BUILDING: EVENING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the white folks get through Last Line: But just wait, chile... Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OFFICIAL NOTICE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear death: %I got your message Last Line: With his blood %is sealed Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OH AMBULANCE MAN, by HATTIE HART Poem Source First Line: Hey daddy hey daddy : don't let me cry in vain Last Line: And you ought to be careful : how you handle my jellyroll Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OH GO TO SLEEP, MY BABY (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OH LAWDY MAMA, by CURLEY WEAVER Poem Source First Line: Meet me down at the river : bring me my suit of clothes Last Line: I may be back in june baby : may be back in first of may Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OH OH LONESOME BLUES, by SIX CYCLINDER SMITH Poem Source First Line: If I had wings baby : just like a morning dove Last Line: That is why you hear me : singing these lonesome blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OH RED, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Oh red : wish you were dead Last Line: You didn't have no right : raise no hell nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OH, ANNIE, OH!, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OH, JOE, PLAY THAT TROMBONE, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: It makes me crazy : when you blow it up high Last Line: That give me such a *kicking and a twicking* : around my heart Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OH, MY GOLDEN SLIPPERS AM LAID AWAY, by JAMES A. BLAND Poem Text Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Marriage; Shoes; Negroes; American Blacks; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers OH, WHEN I GIT MY NEW HOUSE DONE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OH, WHEN THIS EARTHLY TENEMENT, by SARAH LOUISA FORTEN Poem Source Last Line: Thou may attain a brighter home %a home beyond the sky Alternate Author Name(s): Ada Subject(s): African Americans - Women OHIO RIVUH, SHE'S SO DEEP AN' WIDE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OIL WELL BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: There ain't nothing mama : no use ??? Last Line: When I starts to drilling : you hear women hollering too black bad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OL' DOC' HYAR, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ur ol' hyar lib in ur house on de hill Last Line: Een de mighty fine house on de mighty high hill! Subject(s): African Americans; Greed; Gullahs; Negroes; American Blacks; Avarice; Cupidity OLD AGE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Having known robins on the window sill Last Line: How do you feel' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OLD AUNT KATE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jes look at ole aunt kate at de gyardin gate Last Line: She's a fine playmate Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD BLACK CAT BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: I believe: that I got those black cat blues Last Line: Lord if the black cat blues don't leave me mama: lord I've got to get further down the road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD BLACK GNATS (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dem ole black gnats, dey is so bad Last Line: Fer I cain't git out'n here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD BLACK MEN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They have dreamed as young black men dream Last Line: As though they did not care. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Old Age; African Americans; Dreams; Disappointment; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks; Nightmares; Negroes; American Blacks OLD BLACK MEN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They have dreamed as young men dream Last Line: As though they did not care. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks OLD BLACK MEN SAY, by JAMES ANDREW EMANUEL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They say 'son' %(always start with son) Last Line: Whatever they raised - %them old black men Subject(s): African Americans OLD DEVIL, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Go back old devil : and look up on your shelf Last Line: You don't need no man baby : don't know you in the dark when he feel Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD DOG QUEENIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Barking at the scenery Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OLD FOLKS STARTED IT, by MINNIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: Talks about your *miller* : *he's from shore to shore* Last Line: A woman with the strut : can always get a man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD GRAY GOOSE IS DEAD (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Go and tell aunt betsie Last Line: And he have bit off her head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD GRAY HORSE CAME TEARIN' THROUGH THE WILDERNESS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Say, don't you want to go? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD GRAY MINK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I once did a think dat I would sink Last Line: An' he's killing an' eatin' chicken still Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD HEN CACKLED (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De ole hen she cackled Last Line: She cackled in de pot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD JIM CANAN'S, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I wished I was back : at old jim canan's Last Line: That's the reason why : I wished I was back at jim canan's Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD JOE, WHAT IS THE MATTER? (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: My horses go lookin' up hill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD LIBERIA IS NOT THE PLACE FOR ME, by JOSHUA MCCARTER SIMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Come all ye colonizationists Last Line: In old america! Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Colonialism; Liberia; Negroes; American Blacks OLD LOUISIANA GAL (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Come, honey come, come go wid me Last Line: Hawk and buzzard went to lunch, ole louisiana gal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD MAN'S SONG (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Old man, old man, and what's your sons names? Last Line: And catchin' dem possum dey's cahrlie at de wheel Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD MOLLY HARE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: I hain't got no time fer to talk to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD ORIGINAL KOKOMO BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now one and one is two mama: two and two is four Last Line: You mess around here pretty mama: you going to catch you a lot of hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD ROCK ISLAND BLUES, by LONNIE COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: I've got the rock island blues : waiting for the rock island train Last Line: Just tell lonnie coleman : done been to your town and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD ROUNDERS BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I ain't going to marry : ain't going to [be no settling, settle] down Last Line: I got to dreaming so : I was talking all out of my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD SAILOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He has been %many places Last Line: Lament him %everywhere Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OLD SECTION BOSS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I once knowed an ole sexion boss but he done been laid low Last Line: You see; dat's de way de hoosiers feeds way our in arkansaw Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLD SLAVE WOMAN, by JOYCE SIMS CARRINGTON Poem Text Poem Explanation First Line: She is like a wrinkled apple Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women OLD TAYLOR, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now I love to sing : that good old taylor blues Last Line: He going to give us a little drink : just before he go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD TIMBROOK BLUES, by JOHN BYRD Poem Source First Line: Old timbrook was a black horse : black as any crow Last Line: Old mrs went to the race track : and lost all her mon' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD TIME RIDER, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Believe I'll take : my old-timey rider back Last Line: Says I can't do nothing : till that woman come back to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OLD WALT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old walt whitman / went finding and seeking Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry & Poets; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); Negroes; American Blacks OLD WALT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old walt whitman %went finding and seeking Last Line: Old walt whitman went seeking %and finding Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry And Poets; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891) OLD WOMAN IN THE HILLS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Once: dere was an ole 'owan Last Line: It mus' 'ave been bones Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OLE MAN KNOW-ALL, HE COME 'ROUND, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: But he knowed too much to go dat way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OMI ROSE, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Her face was such a warm doll Last Line: Our baby - omi! Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life OMNI-ALBERT MURRAY, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: (three four) the ancestors are humming: write a poem, girl Subject(s): African Americans; Ellington, Edward Kennedy ('duke'); New York City; Negroes; American Blacks; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple OMNI-ALBERT MURRAY, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: (three four) the ancestors are humming: write a poem, girl Last Line: Omni-albert murray omni omni albert murray Subject(s): African Americans; Ellington, Edward Kennedy ("duke"); New York City ON A CHRISTMAS NIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In bethlehem on a christmas night Last Line: Be happy, happy, everyone %on a christmas night! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas ON A HIGHWAY EAST OF SELMA, ALABAMA; JULY 1965, by GREGORY ORR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As the sheriff remarked: I had no business being there. He was Last Line: And still he refuses to swallow. Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Prisons & Prisoners; Racism; Selma, Alabama; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry ON A PALLET OF STRAW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They did not travel in an airplane Last Line: They found the lord of all! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas ON BEING BROUGHT FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Twas mercy brought me from my pagan land Last Line: May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train. Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - Women; Love - Loss Of; Mortality ON BEING HEAD OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I will look with detachment %on the signing of contracts Last Line: I am love Subject(s): African Americans - Women ON DIVERSE DEVIATIONS, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When love is a shimmering curtain Last Line: And no curtain drapes the door Subject(s): African Americans - Women ON DIVERSE DEVIATIONS, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When love is a shimmering curtain Last Line: Where love is the scream of anquish %and no curtain drapes the door Subject(s): African Americans - Women ON IMAGINATION, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Thy various works, imperial queen, we see Last Line: Cease then, my song, cease the unequal lay. Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Love - Loss Of; Mortality ON LISTENING TO THE SPIRITUALS, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source First Line: When the master lived a king and I a starving hutted slave beneath the lash Last Line: A passionate heaven rose no god in heaven could create! Subject(s): African Americans ON THE BANKS UV THE OLE TENNESSEE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ON THE BIRTH OF BOMANI, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We have taken the best leaves Last Line: Art that made you fill your heart Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Cultural Differences; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks ON THE BIRTH OF BOMANI, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We have taken the best leaves Last Line: May the love in the art that made you %fill your heart Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Cultural Differences; U.s. - Race Relations ON THE COAST OF MAINE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ancestral, alone, under stone they lie Last Line: Gulls, %scouting and %crying Subject(s): African Americans ON THE DEATH OF LISA LYMAN, by DELLA BURT Poem Source First Line: I had become callous like most Last Line: Talk is too unreal Subject(s): African Americans - Women ON THE DEDICATION OF DOROTHY HALL, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Not to the midnight of the gloomy past Last Line: The striving women of a struggling race. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Tuskegee Institute ON THE EDGES, by KAREN HALLIBURTON Poem Source First Line: How those ink-colored %dungarees Last Line: On the edges %of a minute Subject(s): African Americans ON THE ROAD AGAIN, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: I wouldn't want a black woman : tell you the reason why Last Line: Come on mama : let's get on the road again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ON THE STEPS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Had never seen a crack pipe till Last Line: All couldn't do any better Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama ON THE TURNING UP OF UNIDENTIFIED BLACK FEMALE CORPSES, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mowing his three acres with a tractor Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Corpses; Cadavers ON THE TURNING UP OF UNIDENTIFIED BLACK FEMALE CORPSES, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mowing his three acres with a tractor Last Line: That digs me up with this pen %and turns my sad black face to the light Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Corpses ON THE UPTOWN LEXINGTON AVENUE EXPRESS: MARTIN LUTHER KING, by DURIEL E. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: This moring/ there is a woman giving a sermon/ her voice trembling over Last Line: To get off the train/ or scream/ but the doors and my throat are closed Subject(s): African Americans; Subways ON THE WALL, by LOUISE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Well I'm going to memphis : come to stop at cincinnat' Last Line: Well I'm going to leave here : Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ON TOP OF THE POT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Wild goose gallop an' gander trot Last Line: Walk about, ladies, on top o' de pot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ON WITNESSING THE RECEIPT HONORARY DEGREE BY STERLING BROWN, by BETH BROWN PRESTON Poem Source First Line: Although the chaos of those walls Last Line: Ain't no rush, bebby, %long ways to go Subject(s): African Americans; Brown, Sterling (1901-1989) ONCE, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Green lawn / a picket fence Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Southern States; South (u.s.) ONCE, by ALICE WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Green lawn %a picket fence Last Line: The very %tips %of her %fingers Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Southern States ONE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lonely %as the wind Last Line: Lonely %as a bottle of licker %on a table %by itself Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ONE AND TWO BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: If you want me to love you : *keep much* Last Line: Be a long-tailed one : have plenty of jack Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONE LETTER HOME, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I believe I'll write : just one more letter home Last Line: Now tell me what is the reason : that a-we can't get along Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONE MAN NAN, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: The very thought of sam sinking : that's my *cup* Last Line: It's going to be my place : to pick him up Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONE MORE S IN THE U.S.A., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Put one more s in the u.S.A. Last Line: Will be the u.S.S.A. Then Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ONE MORE RIVER, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "o, jordan bank was a great old bank!" Last Line: Dere ain't but one more river to cross Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals ONE MORE TIME, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: I can't sleep no more : can't get her off my mind Last Line: Lord and if that don't do it : might be one more rounder gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONE THING I DONT NEED', by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Steda bein sorry alla the time %enjoy bein yrself Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans - Women ONE THOUSAND NINE-HUNDRED & SIXTY-EIGHT WINTERS, by JACKIE EARLEY Poem Source First Line: Got up this morning Last Line: White %snow! Subject(s): African Americans ONE TIME BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Ah : the rising sun going down Last Line: I'll get up every morning : work hard all day for you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONE WAY GAL, by WILLIAM MOORE Poem Source First Line: There's one thing I like : about that gal of mine Last Line: She takes the blues away : and satisfies my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONE-WAY TICKET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I pick up my life Last Line: Gone out west, %gone! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ONLY DUMB GUYS FIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Only dumb guys fight Last Line: Only dumb guys fight Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ONLY IN THIS WAY, by MARGARET GOSS BURROUGHS Poem Source First Line: Not by wayout hairdos, bulbous afro blowouts, and certainly Last Line: Only in this way to lay the groundwork for the change to come - %for the future - for your century Subject(s): African Americans - Women ONLY LOVE I KNOW (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Johnny had a little girl and she walk'd around Last Line: Come in the ring and bow to him low Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ONLY WOMAN, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Now this was my sad story : I never will forget the day Last Line: Lord I'm sorry you couldn't be here now : to have the last few words with me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ONLY WOMAN BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to tell you 'bout that woman Last Line: Woman's gonna mistreat me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OPEN LETTER TO THE SOUTH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: White workers of the south Last Line: Today, %we're man to man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OPOSSUM HUNT (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Possum meat is good an' sweet Last Line: Twus de bigges' eatin' in de lan' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OPPRESSION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now dreams %are not available Last Line: And the song %break %its jail Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ORANGE CHIFFON, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If orange chiffon sadness %flowered from my chin of three bumps Last Line: And my shadow half the size of two dates %broke Subject(s): African Americans - Women ORGAN GRINDER BLUES, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder play that melody Last Line: If you are done : let mama grind awhile for you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ORIFLAMME, by JESSIE REDMOND FAUSET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think I see her sitting bowed and black Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers ORIFLAMME, by JESSIE REDMOND FAUSET Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think I see her sitting bowed and black Last Line: Clutching our birthright, fight with faces set %still visioning the stars! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers ORIGIN OF THE SNAKE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Up de hill an' down de level Last Line: Devil come an' gits his own Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Animals; Black Songs; Snakes ORIGINS, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm Last Line: But the music %lives on in me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music ORISHA, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Across the flesh and feeling of soledad Last Line: Immense in its infancy of these few words %orisha orisha satchmo orisha Subject(s): African Americans - Women ORNITHOLOGY: GENEALOGY, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Oh, my, addie Last Line: She became his bride Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) ORONDE, by PAULETTE CHILDRESS WHITE Poem Source First Line: The tangles on my baby's head Last Line: To run away %from me Subject(s): African Americans ORTHODOXIES 24, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: At the chapel of the three angels, a ritual. The scarlet Last Line: Theodoros, the commander with the black dimple Subject(s): African Americans; Churches; Slavery OTHER SIDE, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I used to stand on top of the shed in the back of my Last Line: Where I stood for a long time Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama OTHER SIDE OF JORDAN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh, de devil an' black jack, dey wus a playin' seben-up Last Line: Den he brung awau de balunce jes' a strutin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OTTAWA, MN, CEMETERY-1992, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: A million years ago Last Line: Seem to squawk at the thought of it Subject(s): African Americans - History; Racism; Slavery; U.s. - History OUGHTA BE A WOMAN, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Washing the floors to send you to college Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights; Feminism OUGHTA BE A WOMAN, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Washing the floors to send you to college Last Line: Too much of a task for any one woman Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights OUR BLACK PEOPLE, by KALI GROSVENOR Poem Source First Line: Our black %people are Last Line: For me and all %of you Subject(s): African Americans OUR CAT, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: She touches with her paw Last Line: Fantastic family friend - firefur! Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life OUR GRANDMOTHERS, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She lay, skin down in the moist dirt Subject(s): African Americans; Grandparents; Grandparents; Negroes; American Blacks; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers OUR LAND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We should have a land of sun Last Line: Oh, sweet away! %ah, my beloved one, away Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OUR OLD MULE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: We had an ole mule an' he wouldn' go 'gee' Last Line: So he made me jump up an' outrun de jews Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OUT OF NOWHERE, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Whispers: listen Last Line: Too pleased with himself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) OUT OF WORK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walked de streets till Last Line: And see what it would do to you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans OUT ON SANTA FE--BLUES, by ARTHUR PETTIES Poem Source First Line: The little woman in the cellar : the boss upstairs Last Line: *it won't be love you* : back up this road I'm going Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OUT WEST BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: I were laying upstairs mama : trying to take my rest Last Line: And I'm out westbound : that's if the bull don't have me barred Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OUT WITH THE WRONG WOMAN, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: I went to a party last night : I was dressed to kill Last Line: When that lady opened that door : I said I'll never do this no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OUTCAST, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For the dim regions whence my fathers came Last Line: Under the white man's menace, out of time. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks OUTRUNNING THE DEVIL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went upon de mountain Last Line: I'se tried dem other ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs OUTSIDE WOMAN BLUES, by BLIND JOE REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: When you lose your money : please god don't lose your mind Last Line: While you're off with your woman : your wife could be at home beating you doing buddy what you tryin Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OVER TO MY HOUSE, by GEESHIE WILEY Poem Source First Line: Come around to my house : ain't nobody here but me Last Line: Every married woman : got a back-door man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OVERTIME BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: I been working overtime baby : oh the sun got hot Last Line: That's when you'll call for poor walter : but he won't be in your home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) OWL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: The dancing owl waves his spread tail feathers. I'm the owl Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PACK UP YOUR TRUNK BLUES, by TOMMIE BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: Everybody here baby : seem to have a jolly time Last Line: Now seem everything everything you do : it is to worry my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PACKING TRUNK BLUES, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I'm sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes Last Line: You get half a gallon of whiskey : you get on your big drunk Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAGE 34, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: If your complexion is a mess Subject(s): African Americans; Skin Color; Negroes; American Blacks PAGE 35, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The essence lady Subject(s): African Americans - Women PAGE'S GEESE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole man page'll be in a turble rage Last Line: An' sent de pay home be de gander Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PAINFUL BLUES, by RUTH MARY WILLIS Poem Source First Line: My heart is painful : I believe my blues are pouring down Last Line: He has me almost crazy : till I was satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAIR IN ONE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The strangeness Last Line: Both at once %are sounded Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PALE LADY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pale, delightful lady Last Line: Oh, pale, delightful lady, %how I love you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PALM SUNDAY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So here come I Last Line: And collards in the air Subject(s): Palm Sunday; Homecoming; African Americans PALM WINE SELLER, by GLADYS MAY CASELY HAYFORD Poem Source First Line: Akosua selling palm wine Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women PANAMA LIMITED, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: I ain't got nobody : take me to this train Last Line: Mmm : mmm Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PANTHER SQUALL BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I got a sweet mama : she ain't low at all Last Line: I bet you my last dollar : she don't put them jinx on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAPA, by NUBIA KAI Poem Source First Line: Papa, %when men like you die Last Line: Will come and join you %at our lord's throne Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers PAPA LONG BLUES, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: Woke up early this morning : blues all around my bed Last Line: You will call for me : and I'll be a thousand miles from home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAPA LOVES HIS LITTLE BABY (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Hush, hush a by Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PAPA WANTS A COOKIE, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Mama's baking cookies : out in the kitchen Last Line: Mama just smiles : when she hear papa say Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAPA WANTS TO KNOCK A JUG, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I saw your mama : in kansas city Last Line: It's four or five times : and then some more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAPA'S LAWDY LAWDY BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I love my baby : and my baby do love me Last Line: I got a wife got a girl : and I'm fooling on the outside too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAPI WAS A DANCING MAN, by AVOTCJA Poem Source First Line: Papi was 25 shades blacker than midnight Subject(s): African Americans PARADE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Seven ladies / and seventeen gentlemen Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PARADE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Seven ladies %and seventeen gentlemen Last Line: A chance to let %parade! %the whole world see %parade %old black me! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PARCHMAN FARM BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Judge give me life this morning : down on parchman farm Last Line: But I hope some day : I will overcome Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PARISIAN BEGGAR WOMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once you were young Last Line: Will kiss you again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PARK BENCH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I live on a park bench Last Line: Move on over %to park avenue? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Homeless; Social Protest PARK BENCHING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've sat on the park benches in paris Last Line: Hungry days, %no jobs, %no work Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PARK WORKER, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: The harbor is as a baby's blue eye Last Line: And moves down the incline toward the water Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Child Labor; Girls PARODY ON 'NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP', by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Un-huh: 'now I lays me down to sleep' Last Line: I hopes 'deir' ole jawbones'll break Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PARODY ON 'REIGN, MASTER JESUS, REIGN', by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh, rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, 'good' mosser Last Line: Wet ground grows grass best Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PARS DE HAT EROUN', by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ef yer wants ter gain de kingdom,' Last Line: The end. Subject(s): African Americans; Clergy; Deception; Money; Public Worship; Salvation; Negroes; American Blacks; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Church Attendance PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De second day of christmas, my true lover gave for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PARTY, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Carla jackson threw me a party before I went north Last Line: I could never really come back Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama PASSAGE, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Got up %this morning at 2:45, breakfast at 3:30 Last Line: It must have been a whale! Subject(s): African Americans - Military PASSING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On sunny summer sunday afternoons in harlem Last Line: Harlem of the bitter dream, %since their dream has %come true Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PASSING LOVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because you are to me a song Last Line: You will not stay when summer goes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PASSIONFRUIT, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Here are rivers raining Last Line: Of memories, lean veins of new loves Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Love; Passion PASTORAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Between the little clouds of heaven Last Line: The child, come back again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PATENT BROWN STOUT, by HORACE SMITH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A brewer, in a country town Last Line: "and boil him down at every brewing?" Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Horatio Subject(s): African Americans; Drinks & Drinking; Negroes; American Blacks; Wine PATHOLOGICAL PUZZLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are so many diseases Last Line: How any man %remains intact Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PATRIOTISM AND A PENSION, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ole fo'th ob july Last Line: An' one jes' fo' comin' out alive. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Army - United States; Fourth Of July; Patriotism; Negroes; American Blacks; Independence Day PATTIN' DAT CAT, by TEDDY BUNN Poem Source First Line: Marths's sitting : on up that fence Last Line: Sashaying : all around the house Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAY ME NO WIND, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Have you woke up in the morning : *you weep and moan* Last Line: Now I got me another woman : best in the neighborhood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PAYING DEBTS WITH KICKS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I owes yo' daddy a peck o' peas Last Line: I never fails to pay my debts Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PEA VINE BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I think I heard : the pea vine when she blowed Last Line: She blowed just like : she wasn't going to blow no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEACE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We passed their graves Last Line: Who had gained %the victory Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PEACE CONFERENCE IN AN AMERICAN TOWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the back fence calling Last Line: At the back fence calling %you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PEACH ORCHARD MAMA, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Peach orchard mama : you swore nobody'd pick your fruit but me Last Line: Because when I gets mad : I acts just like a clown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEACH ORCHARD MAMA, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Peach orchard mama : you swore no one get your fruit but me Last Line: Now peach orchard mama since you been in trouble : you wish to god that I would die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEACH ORCHARD MAMA, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Peach orchard mama : you swore wasn't nobody going to use your peaches but me Last Line: Ever again I want a peach orchard mama : ooo well well widh to god that you would die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEACHES, by KARLA FRANCESCA BRUNDAGE Poem Source First Line: Your georgia peachtree accent Last Line: Longing on the mississippi %for more fruit to eat Subject(s): African Americans PEACHES IN THE SPRINGTIME, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Now you give me peaches in the springtime : apples in the fall Last Line: So I can see my good gal : when she try and pass me by Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEACK COCKS POEMS, SELS., by SHERLEY ANNE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: I never thought to see us Last Line: Sista -- sista -- been and is Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Mothers And Daughters; Women PEARLS, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It was the hurt he didn't see Last Line: Shimmering in her eyes Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Freedom; Love; Man-woman Relationships PECULIAR FASCINATION WITH THE DEAD, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Light candles to honor the dead Last Line: Whom you have every right %to love Subject(s): African Americans; Death PEEP SQUIRREL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Peep squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum Last Line: I cotch you squir'l! Now stay, I say Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PEETIE WHEATSTRAW STOMP, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Women all raving : about peetie wheatstraw in this land Last Line: The way I strut my stuff : ooo well now you never can tell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEETIE WHEATSTRAW STOMP NO. 2, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Everybody hollering : here come that peetie wheatstraw Last Line: You can come up : and see me sometime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PENAL FARM BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: Early one morning : on my way to the penal farm Last Line: My time is up : and penal farm has set me free Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PENITENTIARY, by BESSIE TUCKER Poem Source First Line: Aah ha ha : what's the matter with my man today Last Line: You going to keep on *a-palling* : you going to wake up in your grave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PENNIES FROM HEAVEN: WHAM BAM, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: A lush shadow-shape Last Line: See you soon Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) PENNILESS BLUES, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: I been blue all night : what is I going to do Last Line: And you know it's going to be some hell raised : lord if she don't bring some of my money back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PENNSYLVANIA STATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The pennsylvania station in new york Last Line: To glorify the earth - and you - and me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Pennsylvania Station, New York City; Railroads PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN BLUES, by SIX CYCLINDER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Working in the steel mills baby : handling ??? Last Line: Well they're so doggone evil : break up every woman's bone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PEOPLE GATHER, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had it together Last Line: But once Subject(s): African Americans - Women PEOPLE OF WATTS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where we come from, sometimes, beauty Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): Los Angeles; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE, by CHARLIE SPECKS MCFADDEN Poem Source First Line: People people : you don't know my mind Last Line: You got a home : just as long as I've got mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PERIWINKLE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Pennywinkle, pennywinkle, poke out yo' ho'n Last Line: Jes stick out yo' ho'n all pinted to a tree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PERSONAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In an envelope marked: personal Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PERSONAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In an envelope marked: personal Last Line: I have given my answer Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PERSONAL LETTER NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing will keep Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PERSONAL LETTER NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing will keep Last Line: I am tired %of it all Subject(s): African Americans PERSPECTIVE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some day Last Line: That wound me! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PETAL CHILD, by JOYCE CAROL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Laughing winds went sweeping by and found the first bud Last Line: Wish your bloom a peaceful stay -- and color for your petaled eyes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Peace PH.D., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He never was a silly little boy Last Line: And quite beyond his ph.D.'s small range Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PHILIPPINE ISLAND RHYME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: See that monket up the cocanut tree Last Line: All same to americano, %no hay dique Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PHONOGRAPH BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Yeah but she got a phonograph : but it won't say a lonesome word Last Line: I can bring your clothes back home : and try me one more time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PHRASEOLOGY, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I say things to myself %in a bitch of a syllable Last Line: The impulsive foam %of a spastic Subject(s): African Americans - Women PIAF AND HOLIDAY GO OUT, by CAROL PEPPIS BERGE Poem Source First Line: Bracelet eat into the flesh / the gangrene of Last Line: It will be easier. Sing it loud Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Piaf, Edith (1915-1963); Singing And Singers PIANO LESSONS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It's hard growing up in a family that Last Line: Then dragged me forever away from culture in shorter Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama PICCOLO RAG, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: You talk about loving : that sure is *hit* Last Line: You do that loving : let it go round and round Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PICK A BALE OF COTTON, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jump down, turn around to pick a bale of cotton Last Line: Oh, lordy, pick a bale a day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music PICTURE GALLERY, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In a tight corner of the house, we'd kept Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Art & Artists; Housekeeping; Paintings & Painters PICTURE GALLERY, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In a tight corner of the house, we'd kept Last Line: Our lives suddenly beautiful, then Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Art And Artists; Housekeeping; Paintings And Painters PICTURES TO THE WALL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shall I tell you of my old, old dreams Last Line: Or shall I keep quiet and let turn %my ugly pictures to the wall Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PIERROT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I work all day, %said simple john Last Line: With the burgher's wife one june Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PIG IRON SALLY, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Some folks say black is evil : but I will tell the world they're wrong Last Line: And if you don't believe I'm dirty : you can watch my bogus stroke Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PIG MEAT BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: You may be little : you may have a tender snout Last Line: Still you got your grunt ; but you done lost your root Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PIG MEAT MAMA, by MAE GLOVER Poem Source First Line: I'm a pigmeat mama : pigmeat's all I crave Last Line: If I don't get my pigmeat : lord I'd rather be dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PIG MEAT PAPA, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Just look a-here mama : don't treat pigmeat the way you do Last Line: Take a boat to china : then it's *catch us* anywhere Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PIG TAIL (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Run boys, run Last Line: Hain't no nigger's bes' fare Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PIGGY-BACK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My daddy rides me piggy-back Last Line: Has had enough to do Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PIGMEAT BLUES, by GEORGIA+(2) WHITE Poem Source First Line: I know this is pigmeat : the kind that you won't regret Last Line: *register it poor on* china : *span* the test sanywhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PILE DRIVIN' BLUES, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Drove so many piles : my hammer's all worn out Last Line: You have broke my hammer : my hammer's out of line Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PINEAPPLE SURPRISE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Grandma wasn't much for hugging Last Line: Baked for nobody else but me Subject(s): African Americans; Cakes; Food And Eating; Grandparents; Love PINEBLUFF ARKANSAS, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Ooo well I got a little woman : in pinebluff arkansas Last Line: She said I declare if you want me daddy : you better hurry home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PINEY WOODS MONEY MAMA, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Lord heavy-hipped mama : she done moved to the piney wood Last Line: But that fool just off and left me : she done moved to the piney wood Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PIRATE LEGEND, by DUBOSE HEYWARD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Under the feet of a tall machine Last Line: Driven city stumbled from its sleep. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PISTOL SNAPPER BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I can tell my dog : anywhere I hear him bark Last Line: That's a lying woman : and a monkey-man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PITCHIN' BOOGIE, by WILL EZELL Poem Source First Line: Now look here girl : put on your best dress Last Line: Close the door : ain't going to let nobody up here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PITY THIS POOR ANIMAL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And walks on grass %and has no need for fire Subject(s): African Americans; Ethnic Groups - United States PLAINT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Money and art Last Line: Are far apart Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PLANT FLOWERS ON MY GRAVE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Darling, soon I shall be sleeping Last Line: Of my lover I wish to keep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PLANTATION HYMN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hear dat rum'lin' in de sky! Last Line: As he goes walkin' by! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Jesus Christ; Slavery; Negro Spirituals; Serfs PLASTER (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dey sticked a plaster on his back Last Line: An' drawed 'em up to glory Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PLAY IT A LONG TIME AGO, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Play it a long time ago : your mama's feeling blue Last Line: That you have come : to have to plink Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLAYING POLICY BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Numbers numbers : about to drive me wild Last Line: I'm going to keep playing policy : till some good luck comes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLAYLAND, by MARK DOTY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The black piano player's straightened hair Last Line: "continues, yes, light the light, I’ll be home, late tonight, Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music PLAYLAND, by MARK DOTY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The black piano player's straightened hair Last Line: Continues, yes, light the light, I'll be home %late tonight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music PLEADIN' FOR THE BLUES, by BERTHA CHIPPIE HILL Poem Source First Line: I'm not crying : pleading at your feet Last Line: I will leave anybody : that treats me like you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEADING BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: Folks you don't know : how worried must I be Last Line: Now one gal is in jail : and the other one is in the pen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEASE BABY, by LONNIE CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time Last Line: I got to take my meals : and can't eat a bite Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEASE BABY, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time Last Line: Please baby please baby : I need you here to carry my loving on Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEASE DON'T ACT THAT WAY, by TOMMIE BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: Sometimes I wonder : I want to go back home Last Line: I took all my money : and I brought it home to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEASE DON'T GO, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Now baby please don't go : baby please don't go Last Line: Don't call my name you got me way down here : wearing the ball and chain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEASE DON'T MISTREAT ME, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Please don't mistreat me : if you don't want me around Last Line: Lord I wouldn't say hard things to you mama : to make you hang your head and cry Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLEASE MA'AM, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: Been begging you : all night long Last Line: Begging you : babe if you please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PLYMOUTH ROCK BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I got so many chickens : can't tell my roosters from my hens Last Line: I don't want them banties : mixed up with my plymouth rocks Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PNEUMATIC BLUES, by BLIND CLYDE CHURCH Poem Source First Line: You can go to the ocean : you can go to the deep blue sea Last Line: But to keep down trouble : mama guess I better go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PNEUMONIA BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm aching all over : believe I got the pneumonia this time Last Line: Tell my good gal I'm going : but I'm still a-standing pat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PO' BOY BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was home de %sunshine seemed like gold Last Line: I's so weary %I wish I'd never been born Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PO' OLE SLAVE IS GONE TO REST, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PO' SHINE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: We can't do me lak you done po' shine, - paid off evuh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs POEM, by CHARLOTTE L. FORTEN GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the earnest path of duty Last Line: We would win a wreath immortal %whose bright flowers n'er fade and die Subject(s): African Americans - Women POEM, by GLORIA T. HULL Poem Source First Line: What you said %keeps bothering me Last Line: Our labor is more important than %our silence Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights POEM, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Little brown boy / slim, dark, big-eyed Last Line: You are. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks POEM - TO THE BLACK BELOVED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ah, my black one Last Line: Pale in the light %of thy nightness Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEM ... FOR A LOVER, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: I would give you %the blue-violet dreams Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women POEM ABOUT POLICE VIOLENCE, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me something Last Line: You think the accident rate would lower subsequently Subject(s): United States - Race Relations; Racism; African Americans; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Negroes; American Blacks POEM AT THIRTY, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is midnight Last Line: Of the night. Subject(s): African Americans - Women POEM COMPOSED FOR .. THE VIGILANT COMMITTEE OF PHILADELPHIA, by DANIEL ALEXANDER PAYNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rise, god of freedom! From thy throne of light Last Line: "be free! Be free! Ye ransomed lands, be free!" Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs; America POEM FOR AN INTELLECTUAL ON THE WAY UP TO SUBMIT TO HIS LADY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do not call me dr. Last Line: Just call me turtle dove Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEM FOR BLACK HEARTS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For malcolm's eyes, when they broke Last Line: We fail, and white men call us faggots till the end of %the earth Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) POEM FOR BLACK RELOCATION CENTERS, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Flukum couldn't stand the strain. Flukum Last Line: The enemy far away on the other side of the sea Subject(s): African Americans POEM FOR FLORA, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When she was little Last Line: And she would think %I want to be %like that Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans POEM FOR HALFWHITE COLLEGE STUDENTS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Who are you, listening to me, who are you Last Line: You might be surprised right out the window, whistling dixie on the way in Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks POEM FOR HALFWHITE COLLEGE STUDENTS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who are you, listening to me, who are you Last Line: You might be suprised right out the window, whistling dixie on the way in Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism POEM FOR MY FATHER, by ERICA ANNETTE PIERCE Poem Source First Line: He stood but 5'10 Last Line: Cast a giannt shadow Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers POEM FOR MY FATHER, by QUINCY TROUPE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Father, it was an honor to be there, in the dugout Last Line: Father, a harbinger, of shock waves, soon come Subject(s): African Americans; Baseball; Fathers & Sons; Sports; Negroes; American Blacks POEM FOR MYSELF, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was born in mississippi Last Line: Gonna be free in mississippi %or dead in the mississippi mud Subject(s): African Americans POEM FOR NANA, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What will we do %when there is nobody left %to kill? Last Line: God knows I hope he's right Subject(s): African Americans - Women POEM FOR SOME BLACK WOMEN, by CAROLYN M. RODGERS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am lonely Last Line: Add here detract there %lonely Subject(s): African Americans - Women POEM FOR YOUTH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Raindrops %on the crumbling walls Last Line: About sun-filled rain %drowning yesterday Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEM OF PRAISE, by JENNIFER E. SMITH Poem Source First Line: Hollywood is %gold Last Line: Yo rhythmic %rivers Subject(s): African Americans POEM ON MY FORTIETH BIRTHDAY TO MY MOTHER WHO DIED YOUNG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well I have almost come to the place where you fell Last Line: Running like hell and if I fall / I fall Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Death; Mothers & Daughters; Dead, The POEM ON MY FORTIETH BIRTHDAY TO MY MOTHER WHO DIED YOUNG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well I have almost come to the place where you fell Last Line: Running like hell and if I fall %I fall Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Death; Mothers And Daughters POEM SOME PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dull unwashed windows of eyes Last Line: Will the machinegunners please step forward? Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Men POEM TO A DEAD SOLDIER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ice-cold passion %and bitter breath Last Line: Have lost your youth now %with the vilest of whores Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death POEM TO NEGRO AND WHITES, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The elevator rises, negro men Last Line: The mutual rescues, quiet, understood. Subject(s): African Americans; Racial Equality; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks POEM TO THRILL THE NAACP OR A BLACK FAMILY MOVES ..., by MBEMBE MILTON SMITH Poem Source First Line: He was black, yes Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement POEM TO UNCLE SAM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uncle sam %with old jim crow Last Line: Tackle hitler -- %shoot jim down Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEM [1], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the tom-toms of the jungles beat in my blood Last Line: So strong, %so cold Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEM [3], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When young spring comes Last Line: The old, old god of love %to please Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEME D'AUTOMNE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The autumn leaves %are too heavy with color Last Line: Will be their only %love Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POEMS FOR GORDON: BLACK DIAMOND, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The kids are practicing rock Last Line: Their private hells suspended Subject(s): African Americans POEMS FOR GORDON: GORDON, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A man -- his jazz Last Line: His silences tracking the %dawn Subject(s): African Americans POEMS FOR GORDON: SOUTH PAW BABY, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I tried to make you a right-handed soon Last Line: But you couldn't find your mouth with a spoon Subject(s): African Americans POET TO BIGOT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have done so little Last Line: My moment is %a flower Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POET TO PATRON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What right has anyone to say Last Line: What poems today? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POKER WOMAN BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I love to gamble : and gambling's all I do Last Line: Going to keep her with me : each and every day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POLICE DOG BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: All my life: I been a traveling man Last Line: Before she sics : her police dog on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POLICE SERGEANT BLUES, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tell you : baby tell you now Last Line: Because the girl I love : she's not got a dime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POLICY BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Hey I wonder : where is that policy right man [at] now Last Line: Just cut across on st lawrence avenue : and bring my money on home to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POLICY WHEEL BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now while you playing policy buddy : play four eleven and forty-four Last Line: Think you going to get my money mama : that's your yas yas y as Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POLISHERS OF BRASS, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am thinking of the men who polish brass in georgetown Last Line: Where they started, it has already tarnished, and the must begin again Subject(s): African Americans POLITICS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My mama's best friend in high school Last Line: Shorter being unforgiving of that kind of thing Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama POLOCK BLUES, by JABO WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Way down way down : way down in polack town Last Line: And *the luck of the fortune* mama : you may need me around some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POMP'S DEFENSE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I stole dem breeches, I 'knowledge de corn Last Line: Ter steal dem breeches ter be baptize' in. Subject(s): African Americans; Baptism; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Christenings; Theology PONY BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: You can catch my pony : saddle up my black mare Last Line: I don't want to marry : just want to be your man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOLE COUNTRY BLUES, by EDDIE KELLY Poem Source First Line: There's nobody know : polk country like I do Last Line: I'm going to sing this old song : everywhere I go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR BOY A LONG WAYS FROM HOME, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: I'm a poor boy : I'm a long way from home Last Line: I want to hear : from that bobcat gal of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR BOY BLUES, by SAM BUTLER Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed Last Line: Lord lord : ain't going to moan no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR BOY BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Lord I'm a poor boy : I'm going to and fro Last Line: Lord I just want you : give this poor boy's heart some ease Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR BOY BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I was down in louisiana : doing as I please Last Line: And my home's on the water : and I sure don't like land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR BOY, LONG WAYS FROM HOME, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: Been a poor boy : a long way from home Last Line: I cried please ma'am : give me thirteen forty-nine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR COAL PASSER, by FRANK JAMES Poem Source First Line: I'm a poor coal loader : I'm in the mine Last Line: Woman I swear : you's a no-good chick Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR GIRL'S RUINATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to chicago Last Line: Take what is in %consideration Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POOR HOUSE BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: The road to hardship : leads right to the poorhouse door Last Line: In the poorhouse : I'll be till judgment day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR JOHN BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I'd rather be dead : sleep in an old hollow log Last Line: Lord I ain't crazy : about nobody I ever seen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR LAZARUS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: High sheriff tol' de deputy, 'go out an' bring me laz'us' Last Line: Dat's my only son, lawd, lawd, dat's my only son Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music POOR LITTLE LAMB SAID 'MAMMY', by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Old molly glascow, where is your lamb? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs POOR MAN BLUES, by HENRY TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: And it's never mind never mind baby : I've got my doggone eyes on you Last Line: I done give you my money : I can give you most anything Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR MAN'S BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Mr rich man rich man : open up you heart and mind Last Line: If it wasn't for the poor man : mr rich man what would you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR MAN'S FRIEND, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Well well when you see * lindy women* : I want you to throw your wives in the v Last Line: Well well it's find somebody : hey got a t model ford Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR ME, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: You may go : you may stay Last Line: I can see bertha lee : lord but she can't see me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) POOR ROVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rover was in clover Last Line: Was gone. %poor rover! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POPLAR TREE, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Oftimes I wish that I could be Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women POPPY FLOWER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A wild poppy-flower Last Line: Withered and died Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PORT TOWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hello, sailor boy Last Line: Let's go sweetie! %come with me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PORTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I must say %yes, sir Last Line: Gimme yo' shoes %to shine. %yes, sir! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Railroads PORTER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Suddenly / when I hear airplanes overhead Last Line: He looks down. Then he looks at me and grins. / I took it, too! Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Aviation & Aviators; Relatives PORTER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Suddenly %when I hear airplanes overhead Last Line: When I put it down %she handed me a dime %as a tip. %he looks down. %then he looks at me and grins. Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life PORTRAIT, by CAROLYN M. RODGERS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama spent pennies Last Line: Fuh four black babies %college educashuns Subject(s): African Americans PORTRAIT IN GEORGIA, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hair--braided chestnut, Subject(s): Lynching; Racism; Georgia (state) African Americans - Women; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry PORTRAIT OF MY FATHER, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: The first time I felt his hands lifting me up like a gust of wind taking a Last Line: Nameless and unknown Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers; Portraits; Sermons PORTRAITURE, by ANITA SCOTT COLEMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation First Line: Black men are the tall trees that remain standing Last Line: Black men are the tall trees that remain standing in a forest after a fire. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks POSSUM UP THE GUM STUMP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: You'll git de yudder kin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs POST WAR BALLAD, by DOROTHY VENA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If crispus attuck's statue Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre POSTCARD AT VERTIGO BOOKS IN D. C., SELS, by REETIKA VAZIRANI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the photo of billie holiday at the 1957 newport jazz festival Last Line: Glamour-we look for it and it's not there Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Famous People; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Photography And Photographers; Singing And Singers POSTCARD FROM SPAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear folks at home: %I went out this mornin' Last Line: Like I'm fightin' now for spain. %salud, %johnny Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans POT HOUND BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: You must bring me a job : or money from anywhere Last Line: And you's a dirty pot hound : dirtier than any man I seen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRAISES, by STEPHANIE MCCLAIN Poem Source First Line: They sing of my father Last Line: Smelling kola nut and palmwine on his wine. I drank often Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers PRAISESONG FOR AUDRE LORDE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It is looking at you Last Line: Owning self, life, wealthy, %in their womaness Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Women PRATT CITY BLUES, by BERTHA CHIPPIE HILL Poem Source First Line: Pratt city : is where I was born Last Line: Don't worry hot papa : I'm *driftrack* bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRAYER, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: I saw a dark boy Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women PRAYER (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gather up %in the arms of your pity Last Line: No love from above Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PRAYER FOR A WINTER NIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O, great god of cold and winter Last Line: Where nothingness is everything and %everything is nothingness Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PRAYER MEETING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Glory! Hallelujah! Last Line: A black old woman croons - %the dawn's a-comin'! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PRAYING BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Folks you don't know : half the trouble I've seen Last Line: One man is in jail : the other one is in the pen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PREACHER BLUES, by HI HENRY BROWN Poem Source First Line: If you want to hear : preacher curse Last Line: Better not catch you : at that house of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PREACHERS BLUES, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Some folks say : a preacher won't steal Last Line: ??? Over that preacher : you be done lost your wife Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PREACHIN' BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man Last Line: Going to the ??? : stay out there all day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PREACHIN' THE BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Because just a little spirit : of the blues tonight Last Line: Jumped up and done a shimmy : you ain't never seen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PREACHIN' THE BLUES--PART 1, by SON HOUSE Poem Source First Line: Oh I'm going to get me religion : I'm going to join the baptist church Last Line: Well if she don't have me : she won't have nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PREACHIN' THE BLUES--PART 2, by SON HOUSE Poem Source First Line: Hey I'm going to fold my arms : I'm going to kneel down in prayer Last Line: When the spirit comes sisters : I want you to jump straight up and down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRECIOUS FLOWERS, by GRETA DELPHINE WHITE Poem Source First Line: He brings me weeds Last Line: And see them lying proudly in a bowl %my heart rejoices Subject(s): African Americans PRECIOUS THINGS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hol' my rooster, hol' my hen Last Line: But pray don't tetch my sweet liddle lips Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PREFACE TO A TWENTY VOLUME SUICIDE NOTE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lately, I've become accustomed to the way Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers & Daughters; Negroes; American Blacks PREFACE TO A TWENTY VOLUME SUICIDE NOTE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lately, I've become accustomed to the way Last Line: Only she on her knees, peeking into %her own clasped hands Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers And Daughters PREFERENCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I likes a woman six or eight and ten years older'n myself Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Age Differences; Negroes; American Blacks PREFERENCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I likes a woman six or eight and ten years older'n myself Last Line: When she conversations with you %it ain't forever, gimme! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Age Differences PRELUDE TO OUR AGE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: History's long page Last Line: Tomorrow %is another %page Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PRESCRIPTION FOR THE BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: All day long I'm worried : all night long I'm blue Last Line: Then I'll sign a paper : died with heart disease Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRESENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: De lady I work for Last Line: Yes, %he did Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PRESENTING A HAT TO PHOEBE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Sister phoebe: happy wus we Last Line: If you don't love me, it's sho' yo' own fault Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PRETTY, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source Last Line: Oh, I wish he'd hurry up! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Fathers PRETTY LITTLE GIRL (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Who's been here since I'se been gone? Last Line: A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in red Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PRETTY LITTLE PINK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My pretty liddle pink Last Line: Long de river dat flows wid brandy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PRETTY MAMA BLUES, by NOAH LEWIS Poem Source First Line: Hey pretty mama : can I get a job with you Last Line: That was my mama my sister : my sweetheart and my wife Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRETTY MAMA BLUES, by JOE LINTHECOME Poem Source First Line: Listen here pretty mama : what's on your worried mind Last Line: I'm going to grab that train : travel far down the road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRETTY PAIR OF CHICKENS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat box-legged rooster, an' dat bow-legged hen Last Line: Dey thinks dey's looking fine, w'en dey needs lots of stitches Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PRETTY POLLY ANN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se gwineter marry, if I can Last Line: I 'spec's I'll marry miss lize jane Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PRIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uptown on lenox avenue Last Line: In the section of the niggers %where a nickel costs a dime Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PRIMER FOR BLACKS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Blackness/is a title Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PRISON BLUES, by ALICE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Oh the judge he sentenced me : and the clerk he wrote it down Last Line: Because the man I'm loving : I don't care where he *follow me* ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRISON CELL BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell Last Line: I'm getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRISON WALL BLUES, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: When they bring you : through that gate Last Line: You see the bottom of my feet so many times : you think I'm on my knees Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PRISONER'S BLUES, by MATTHEW MCCLURE Poem Source First Line: Did you ever get in trouble : and they take you down to jail Last Line: That's the only thing I know : to cure a prisoner's blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PROBLEMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: 2 and 2 are 4 Last Line: Divided by 2? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PROJECT HIGHWAY, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Well well well I've got to get some money : I wants to buy a v-eight ford Last Line: Well well then I'm going to tell them don't get excited : oo o same ??? *bit* I was singing about be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PROJECTION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the day when the savoy Last Line: Wonderful! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Divine, Father (george Baker, 1877-1965); Harlem (new York City); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks PROLETARIAT SPEAKS, by ALICE RUTH MOORE DUNBAR-NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I love beautiful things Last Line: And hurrying out, dab my unrefreshed face %with bits of toiletry from the ten cent store Alternate Author Name(s): Nelson, Alice Dunbar (moore) Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women PROMISE, by JOHARI M. KUNJUFU Poem Source First Line: I am warm Last Line: They will only know me Subject(s): African Americans - Women PROMISED LAND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The promised land Last Line: To a spot from which the land -- %still lies ahead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans PROMISES OF FREEDOM, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My ole mistiss promise me Last Line: May de devil preach 'is funer'l song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music PROMISES OF FREEDOM: 1, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My ole mistriss promise me Last Line: May de devil preach 'is funer'l song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PROMISES OF FREEDOM: 2, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My old mistress promised me Last Line: Oh old mistress a long farewell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs PROOF, by BESSIE CALHOUN BIRD Poem Source First Line: Other loves I have known Last Line: The gift sublime %the intransmutable verity Subject(s): African Americans - Women PROVE IT ON ME BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Went out last night, had a great big fight Last Line: Sure got to prove it on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PSI, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black boy Last Line: Of white charybdis Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans PULLIN' SHORTER DOWN, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Got the letter yesterday Last Line: And now they're pullin' it all down Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama PURIFICATION OF THE TRIBE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Used to be, %we threw our different ones Last Line: A purification of the tribe Subject(s): African Americans - History; Poetry And Poets; Slavery PURPLE VEINS, by MILDRED FOWLER FIELD Poem Text First Line: He dreamed - just once - of touching a white woman Last Line: Reeling trees and rippled purple silence! Subject(s): African Americans; Colors; Racism; White (color); Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry PUSSY CAT BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Oh pussy cat pussy cat : where you been so long Last Line: Says all around your mouth : is something like mud Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PUSSY CAT BLUES, by JANE LUCAS Poem Source First Line: You can play with my pussy : but please don't dog it around Last Line: The rats may overtake you : need your pussy cat some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PUSSY CAT BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Pussy cat pussy cat : where have you been so long Last Line: You sleep all day : run up the alley all night long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PUT IT WHERE I CAN GET IT, by HOCIEL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I got something at home : on my shelf Last Line: That every woman wants a man : that means her good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) PUZZLEMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I don't know why Last Line: Can't afford that much Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans QUATRAIN: 2, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How strange that grass should sing Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women QUESTION (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the old junk man, death Last Line: Than the black torso of %a negro cotton-picker Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans QUESTION (2), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Said the lady, can you do Last Line: And feed me too? %figurine %de-dop! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans QUESTION AND ANSWER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Durban, birmingham Last Line: Why take it? %to remake it Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans QUESTION OF SINGING-PART I, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I don't know when it happened or why, she just stop singing Last Line: Sometimes, in red winged dawns of african, free women Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Freedom; Pain; Singing And Singers RABBIT FOOT BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Blues jumped a rabbit : run him one solid mile Last Line: Reason I'm going home with you sugar : I ain't much hard to be fooled Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RABBIT HASH (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere wus a big ole rabbit Last Line: You's never tasted 'tall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RABBIT SOUP (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Rabbit soup! Rabbit sop! %rabbit e't my tunnup top Last Line: Makin' a pot o' rabbit soup Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RACCOON, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: The raccoon has a bushy tail Last Line: Till old ringo bark Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RACCOON AND OPOSSUM FIGHT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De raccoon an' de 'possum Last Line: Playin' lak he been dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RACE, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes I think about great-uncle paul who left tuskegee, Last Line: Here a poem tells a story, a story about race Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RACE QUESTION, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Would it please you if I strung my tears Last Line: With jewels of my elegant pain Subject(s): African Americans RACE-STARTER'S RHYME, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One fer de money Last Line: An' four fer to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RACKETEERS BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If you got over fifteen grand : better split it ninety-nine different ways Last Line: You can even move to west hell : doggone if they don't find you there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAG BABY, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: Yonder she goes : with a broom in her hand Last Line: Sweep me off : for another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAG MAN'S SONG: 1 (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Any rags or any bones or any bottles today? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RAG MAN'S SONG: 2 (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Rag man, rag man, bottles today Last Line: Cryin' rags, old bones, and bottles today Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RAG, MAMA, RAG, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: Says I'm going up to town : hat in my hand Last Line: Ought to hear her hollering : don't murder me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAGTIME, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of ragtime Last Line: And dare to dram of an equal world Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music RAID, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Late at night Last Line: Where? %the man is there Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RAIDIN' SQUAD BLUES, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: It's too late too late : too late too late too late Last Line: Now I'm in this raid : my friends have all thrown me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAILROAD AVENUE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dusk dark / on railroad avenue Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RAILROAD AVENUE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dusk dark %on railroad avenue Last Line: And leaving the untouched the box-car %some train has forgotten Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RAILROAD BILL, by WILL BENNETT Poem Source First Line: Railroad bill : ought to be killed Last Line: Go through the world : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAILROAD BILL (1), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Railroad bill, railroad bill Last Line: I'm going to ride old railroad bill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music RAILROAD BILL (2), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Railroad bill, railroad bill Last Line: Well it's ride, ride, ride Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Railroads RAILROAD BILL, A CONJURE MAN; A HOODOO SUITE, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Railroad bill, a conjure man Last Line: Railroad bill was free Subject(s): African Americans; Railroads RAILROAD BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Now if the train falls on the track : I'm alabama bound Last Line: And if the seaboard god bless : I'm alabama bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAIN-SONGS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The rain streams down like harp-strings from the sky Last Line: He plays upon the harp-strings of the rain. Subject(s): African Americans; Rain; Negroes; American Blacks RAINY DAY BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Rainy day rainy day : you ought to hear my baby sing the blues Last Line: Now when I get my money : babe I'm going to be ???Ing just like you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAINY NIGHT BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now it was early one morning mama: I was on my way to school Last Line: Because the little woman I love mama: has a-drove me from her door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAINY SEASON LOVE SONG, by GLADYS MAY CASELY HAYFORD Poem Source First Line: Out of the tense awed darkness, my frangepani comes Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women RAISE A 'RUCUS' TO-NIGHT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Two liddle niggers all dressed in white Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RAISINS AND ALMONDS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: To my little one's cradle in the night comes Last Line: Sleep, my little one, sleep Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music RAM ROD DADDY, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I'm a ramrodding daddy : I stays up on main street Last Line: It ain't no other ramrodding daddy : can put his load below where I put mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMBLER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Well the train's ??? : track's all out of line Last Line: Lord but that brown in chicago : have put that jinx bug on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMBLIN' MAN, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I feel like rambling : rambling stays on my mind Last Line: Because I'm going to ramble : until the day that I die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMBLIN' MIND BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: And I lay down last night : tried to take my rest Last Line: Says a letter's too slow : and a telegram may get left Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMBLIN' ON MY MIND, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind Last Line: I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMBLING BLUES, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : with rambling on my mind Last Line: I may not suit you : but I'll do the best I can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMBLING BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Early this morning : the blues come walking in my room Last Line: The last time you were here : you made me cry and walk the floor Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAMROD BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: I wonder where is the ramrod : belongs to my gun Last Line: When I ain't got the ramrod : belongs to my gun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RANDSOME TANTSOME (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RAP/HIP HOP, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of hip hop Last Line: I see the rhythm of hip hop %and the rhythm lives on in me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music RASCAL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se de bigges' rascal fer my age Last Line: He would a e't no, but you know he died Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RATION DAY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat ration day comes once a week Last Line: An' ev'ry day'll be sund'y Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RATTLER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Go call ole rattle from de bo'n Last Line: Here rattler! Here! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RATTLESNAKE BLUES, by MARY JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Rattlesnake treating papa : what makes you treat your mama so mean Last Line: And I can tell by that : you ain't treating your mama right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RATTLESNAKE BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I say I'm just like a rattlesnake baby : I say in the middle of his coil Last Line: If I leave here this morning : never say daddy how do you feel Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RAW HEAD ON BLOODY BONES (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Don't talk! Go to sleep! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RAZOR BALL, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Down in atlanta at the razor ball : even at the razor ball Last Line: Put me at the head of the list : and don't forget to call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) REACHING' PETE, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: When you go to helena : stop on cherry street Last Line: Every time he meet you : he's ready for plenty hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) REACTIONARY POET, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you are a revolutionary Last Line: I likes to take it real slow Subject(s): African Americans READY, by PHOEBE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loaded with gallant soldiers Last Line: Who was fitter to die than he! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Sailing & Sailors; United States - History; Seamen; Sails REAL ESTATE BLUES, by WILL BENNETT Poem Source First Line: All I want is a new pair of shoes : that is all I pray Last Line: For I didn't bring nothing to this old world : and I can't carry nothing away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) REAL FATHER, by BURNIECE AVERY Poem Source First Line: Some plant a seed and walk away Last Line: We'll face this world together, %whatever the years my bring Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers REAL PEOPLE LOVES ONE ANOTHER, by ROB PENNY Poem Source Last Line: Backwards under the sun Subject(s): African Americans REASONS WHY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just because I loves you -- Last Line: When you pass by Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RECEPTIVE PERSPECTIVE, by J. E. M. JONES Poem Source First Line: When you're made to disremember the prince you are within Last Line: Remember, brother, %we have not always been in this sad space Subject(s): African Americans RECKLESS BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: When I was young : nothing but a child Last Line: Come in pretty papa : mama wants some loving right now Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RECKLESS WOMAN, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: A woman gets tired : of one man all the time Last Line: But I like as man men : I see is good to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RED BEANS AND RICE, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: When I was down in georgia : I was doing mighty well Last Line: Says I got where I can't get no loving : not until my payday comes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RED CLAY BLUES (BY HUGHES AND RICHARD WRIGHT), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I miss that red clay, lawd, I Last Line: I got them red clay blues Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RED CROSS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The angel of mercy's Last Line: And all because of negro blood Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RED CROSS BLUES, by SONNY SCOTT Poem Source First Line: Let me tell you : what the what the red cross people will do Last Line: Because I can't take you down the hill : but I'll show you to the red cross store Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RED DIRT, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Got me some red alabama dirt I keep Last Line: Red, red dirt of alabama Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama RED HOT BLUES, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Hey get your partner : put on your dancing shoes Last Line: But now she's gone : and I got these red-hot blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RED RIPE TOMATOES, by JACK KELLY Poem Source First Line: I've got a thirty-two twenty : shoots just like a forty-five Last Line: They are going through the bushes : and they are going in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RED RIVER BLUES, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me which a-way : do the red river run Last Line: I love my baby : you going to let me be Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RED SEA, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: When moses wuz leadin' the israelites, red sea Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Red Sea RED SILK STOCKINGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Put on yo' red silk stockings Last Line: Go out an' let de white boys %look at yo' legs Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REDHEAD WOODPECKER (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs REFLECTIONS AFTER THE JUNE 12TH MARCH FOR DISARMAMENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have come to you tonite out of the depths Subject(s): African Americans; Disarmament; Negroes; American Blacks REFLECTIONS AFTER THE JUNE 12TH MARCH FOR DISARMAMENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have come to you tonite out of the depths Last Line: New people, who will live in peace %and honor Subject(s): African Americans; Disarmament REFLECTIONS, WRITTEN ON VISITING THE GRAVE OF A FRIEND, by ANN PLATO Poem Text First Line: Deep in this grave her bones remain Last Line: We turn to dust, to sleep, to repose. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Friendship; Graves; Mortality; Tombs; Tombstones REFUGEE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loneliness terrific beats on my heart Last Line: Where are you? Oh, where are you? %once so dear Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REJECTED BY ELIZA JANE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en I went 'cross de cotton patch Last Line: An' git choked on 'sugar cain' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RELIEF, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My heart is aching Last Line: And fight another war, %or even two, %the one to stop 'em won't be me. %would you? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REMARKS ON COLOR, by CAROLYN D. WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: 1. Highway patched with blacktop, service station at the crossroads Last Line: 40. Take me witcha man when you go Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, C. D. Variant Title(s): Remarks On Colou Subject(s): African Americans; Colors; Thought REMEMBER AND FORGET BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: It's so easy to remember : and it's so hard to forget Last Line: Since the woman I loved have deceived me : ooo well well now I don't want nobody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) REMEMBERING AND HONORING TONI CADE BAMBARA, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How to respond to the genius Last Line: Read everything? Saw everything? Subject(s): Bambara, Toni Cade (1939-1995); African Americans – Women; Social Protest; Writing & Writers REMEMBERING FANNIE LOU HAMER, by THADIOUS M. DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Precious night-blooming cereus %you flowered once in mississippi Last Line: But for strong new growth %under midnight moons Subject(s): African Americans - Women REMEMBERING NAT TURNER, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We saw a bloody sunset over courtland, once jerusalem Last Line: The marker split for kindling a kitchen fire. Subject(s): African Americans; Jerusalem; Slavery; Turner, Nat (1800-1831); Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs REMEMBRANCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To wander through this living world Last Line: The flower no scent encloses Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RENEWED LOVE BLUES, by LITTLE BUDDY DOYLE Poem Source First Line: Now baby let's stop our foolishness : and try to renew love over again Last Line: Maybe some day you will consider baby : lord and acknowledge that you have done wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RENT-PARTY SHOUT: FOR A LADY DANCER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whip it to a jelly! Last Line: I'm gonna kill that %man o' mine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REPETITION (TAKE 1), by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Lester knows his horn, they said Last Line: Hoping some lester rubbed off, some sunk in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) REQUEST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gimme $25.00 / and the change Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks REQUEST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gimme $25.00 %and the change Last Line: And the evening %won't bother me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REQUEST FOR REQUIEMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Play the st. Louis blues Last Line: Like me left around Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REQUEST TO SELL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole rose Last Line: To take dat t'other nigger's beau Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs REQUIEM FOR MALCOLM X, by E. ERIC LINCOLN Poem Source First Line: You are malcolm x Last Line: In this man's %america Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) RESONANCE, by CHRISTOPHER GILBERT Poem Source First Line: In a back room %upstairs crouched over crystal Last Line: On the turntable, a lost double %octave rolling round through the air Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I move %into a neighborhood Last Line: I reckon the wind %must care Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RESURRECTION OF THE DAUGHTER, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The family had been ill for some time Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans; Daughters; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives RESURRECTIONS: 36, by GLORIA CATHERINE ODEN Poem Source First Line: When I was very small, I had a Last Line: Dark and they took no notice of me Subject(s): African Americans RETURN, by JOHARI M. KUNJUFU Poem Source First Line: Things begin again Last Line: And the earth is warm deep soft and full %when the quietness bursts Subject(s): African Americans - Women RETURN OF THE NATIVE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harlem is vicious / modernism Last Line: Are so familiar Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks RETURN OF THE NATIVE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harlem is vicious %modernism Last Line: In joy, that our lives %are so familiar Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism RETURN TO SEA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today I go back to the sea Last Line: The broken edge of a dream Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REUNION, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I loved the apple-sweetness of the air Last Line: On any stone, on any leaf or bark Subject(s): African Americans REUNION 2005, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Thirty seconds into the barbecue, Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks REVELATION, by CAROLE CLEMMONS GREGORY Poem Source First Line: An old woman in me walks patiently to the hospital Last Line: And looked so good %and when am I coming back to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Women REVENUE MAN BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Aw the revenue man is riding : boy you'd better look out Last Line: I have been a good provider : but I believe I've been misled Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) REVERIE ON THE HARLEM RIVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Did you ever go down to the river Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem River, New York; Negroes; American Blacks REVERIE ON THE HARLEM RIVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Did you ever go down to the river Last Line: But who would miss me if I left? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem River, New York REVOLUTION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great mob that knows no fear -- Last Line: Great mob that knows no fear Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans REVOLUTIONARY PETUNIAS, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sammy lou of rue / sent to his reward Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Murder REVOLUTIONARY PETUNIAS, by ALICE WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sammy lou of rue %sent to his reward Last Line: Don't yall forgit to water %my purple petunias' Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Murder REWARD, by KEVIN YOUNG Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Run away from this sub- / scriber for the second time Subject(s): African Americans - History; Slavery; Escapes; Black Heritage; Serfs; Fugitives RHETORIC OF LANGSTON HUGHES, by MARGARET DANNER Poem Source First Line: While some 'rap' over this turmoil Last Line: And dedicated ourselves %to be unraveling Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Hughes, Langston (1902-1967) RHYTHM & BLUES/SOUL MUSIC, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of soul music Last Line: Say it loud %I'm black %and I'm proud Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music RIDE JOCKEY RIDE, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: I got a jockey : riding for me Last Line: Wave your whip : and make it crack Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RIDE, RED, RIDE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to see my mother mother Last Line: And your hair was blowing back %in the wind Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RIGHT KIND OF LIFE, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I'm only twenty-four : I just declare I been married twice Last Line: Now when this little woman that you been loving : have fell in love with mr so-and-so Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RIGHT NOW BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Right now's the time : mama for you to change your mind Last Line: I do everything mama : to try to satisfy your mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RIGHT OF WAY BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I hate to hear : my good gal call my name Last Line: There's a whole lots of women : *just ran through your brown's hall* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RIGHTEOUS BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Listen everybody : I'm going to sing a song Last Line: I thought she was too old : I'm telling you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RILEY SPRINGS BLUES, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: I ain't going down : to riley springs no more Last Line: You broke my heart : and left me in misery Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RIME FOR THE CHRISTMAS BABY (AT 48 WEBSTER PLACE, ORANGE), by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Dear bess, %he'll have rings and linen things Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women RIOT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John cabot, out of wilma, once a wycliffe Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement; Negroes; American Blacks RIOT ACT, APRIL 29, 1992, by FLORENCE ANTHONY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I'm going out and get something Last Line: The day the wealth finally trickled down %to the rest of us Alternate Author Name(s): Ai Subject(s): African Americans; Riots RIOT RIMES U.S.A., by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: The foodstore owned by old man meyer Last Line: But some of us were more afraid %to keep on living like we been Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest RIOT TIMES U.S.A. #78, by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: I just once want to feel Last Line: To get off my back Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans RIOT TIMES U.S.A. #79, by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: You got to be scared Last Line: And scared when they let you in Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans RISIN' SUN, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: My woman got something: just like the rising sun Last Line: Sometime I wonder: what in the hell is that Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RISING HIGH WATER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Backwater rising : southern people can't make no time Last Line: I leave with a prayer in my heart : backwater won't rise no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Floods RISING RIVER BLUES, by GEORGE+(2) CARTER Poem Source First Line: Rising river blues : running by my door Last Line: *if you need to talk* : take a long long time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RISING SUN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+207 Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : look at the rising sun Last Line: It takes all twenty-two : to run my brownskin down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RISING SUN BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Well now I lay down every morning : but I get up with the rising sun Last Line: Well then again after I'm gone : ooo please now don't bother with me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RISING WATERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To you %who are the %foam on the sea Last Line: You rich ones -- %not the sea Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RIVER, by ETHEL M. CAUTION Poem Source First Line: The river is decrepit old woman Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women RIVERSIDE BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: I went down to the river : just thirty-one days and nights Last Line: I'm going to the station : meet the cannonball Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROAD TRAMP BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I have walked the lonesome road : till my feet is too sore to walk Last Line: And change my way of living : oh oh well well so I won't have to tramp around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROAR CHINA!, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Roar, china! %roar, old lion of the east! Last Line: To take it! %roar, china! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ROBBIN' AND STEALIN' BLUES, by GENE CAMPBELL Poem Source First Line: My baby ain't good-looking : and she don't dress fine Last Line: Your woman don't know how to rob : she is too doggone scared to steal Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROBERT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was born obedient / without questions Last Line: The color of his life / was nigger Subject(s): African Americans; Obedience; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs ROBERT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was born obedient %without questions Last Line: The color of his life %was nigger Subject(s): African Americans; Obedience; Slavery ROBERT G. SHAW, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When war's red banners trailed along the sky Last Line: In rev'rent love we guard thy memory. Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Military; African Americans - Women; Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers ROBERT GOULD SHAW, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Why was it that the thunder voice of fate Last Line: Have died, the present teaches, but in vain! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers ROBERT HAYDEN, by SYBIL KEIN Poem Source First Line: His words, elgeance in agony Last Line: Lives fleshing his dream of the beautiful needful thing' Subject(s): African Americans; Hayden, Robert (1913-1980) ROBERT WHITMORE, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Having attained success in business Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ROBERT WHITMORE, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Having attained success in business Last Line: Died of apoplexy %when a stranger from georgia %mistook him %for a former macon waiter Subject(s): African Americans ROBERTA--PART 1, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Oh roberta : honey where you been so long Last Line: Well I'll stay right here lord : until roberta come down Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROBERTA--PART 2, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Oh roberta : what in the world you mean Last Line: This man ain't got nobody : to take his troubles to Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROCK ISLAND BLUES, by LEWIS BLACK Poem Source First Line: See the train : weaving up and down the track Last Line: I got a mind to ramble : mind to leave this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROCK THE CRADLE LUCY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Joe he cut off his two big toes Last Line: For the body does not know Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ROCKY ROAD BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now my road is rocky : but it won't be rocky long Last Line: Say I ain't to let these hard-headed women : make me lose my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLL AND TUMBLE BLUES, by HAMBONE WILLIE NEWBERN Poem Source First Line: And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long Last Line: Says that's all right sweet mama : your trouble going to come some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLLED FROM SIDE TO SIDE BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: Mr ferris mr ferris : let your womenfolks go Last Line: You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLLIN' MAMA BLUES, by RUBY GLAZE Poem Source First Line: Now tell me baby : how do you want your loving done Last Line: Won't you come back baby : you get me all confused Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLLIN' MAMA BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I want you to start in the morning baby : and roll me with the setting of the s Last Line: That's why I'm singing : these barrelhouse woman blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLLING BLUES, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now listen here women : I want you to know Last Line: She roll it good and easy : and it ain't too slow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLLING LOG BLUES, by LOTTIE BEAMAN Poem Source First Line: I been drifting and rolling : along the road Last Line: Going to fix it : so I won't have to drift no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROLLS-ROYCE PAPA, by VIRGINIA LISTON Poem Source First Line: Daddy I'll drop you in my garage : and that's no doubt Last Line: And I know doggone well : your spark plugs ain't hitting right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROMANCE, by PHAVIA KUGICHAGULIA Poem Source First Line: Something about you Last Line: Ummm baby - %now you Subject(s): African Americans ROOM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Each little room Last Line: When only one %is there Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ROOSTER'S CROWING BLUES, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: And hey what makes a rooster : crow at the break of day Last Line: They'll take your baby from you : *just like ??? Hen* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROOT HOG OR DIE, by HERB MORAND Poem Source First Line: I pawned my watch : and my clothes and diamond ring Last Line: Now you will have to stop : shaking shaking that old thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROOT MAN BLUES, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Mama here come your root man : open the door and let him in Last Line: She say go away from here doctor : you got too much root for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROOTIN' GROUND HOG, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Well I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots both nights and days Last Line: Couldn't hear nothing : but my babe's train crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROOTMAN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My rootman knows which trees to pick Last Line: Doing the kongo all over me Subject(s): African Americans; Love ROPE STRETCHING BLUES--PART 1, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I caught a stranger in my house : and I busted his head with a club Last Line: In just a few more days : I won't be able to sing my song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROPE STRETCHING BLUES--PART 2, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Don't trust no woman : who mistreats her man Last Line: Just keep the flies from buzzing by me : and then I will be satisfied Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROSABEL (OF ROSALIE), by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Leaves that whisper whisper ever Last Line: And for her, -- for her. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Gays & Lesbians; Women's Rights; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Feminism ROSES RED, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Rose's red, vi'lets blue Last Line: But my love are true, an' it never fail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs ROUGH AND TUMBLE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I'm going to the western union : type the news all down the line Last Line: Because my man's on the wabash : with the rough and tumbling blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROUND AND ROUND, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: My gal's got something : that I surely like Last Line: If they miss *airy* movement : it sure is their last Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROUND MIDNIGHT, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Black as hell's chimney Last Line: Bed clothes, knees to nose Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) ROWDY BLUES, by KID BAILEY Poem Source First Line: Ain't going to marry : neither settle down Last Line: It's a sad word to say : but the best of friends have to part Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ROWDY SOUL, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: I'm a rowdy soul, I'm a rowdy soul, don't care whether I Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RUBY BROWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She was young and beautiful Last Line: Pay more money to her now %than they ever did before, %when she worked in their kitchens Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Prostitution RUINED GAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Standin' by de lonesome riverside Last Line: For ever havin' a daughter Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans RULE, RULE, RULE OVER (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Mary is the ruler, sometimes, oh Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RULERS, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It is said many a king in troubled europe would sell his crown Last Line: In philadelphia. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RUN, MOLLY RUN, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Music in the kitchen : music in the hall Last Line: Just got there in good old time : to wear them ball and chain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RUN, NIGGER, RUN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Run, nigger run; de patter-roller catch you Last Line: Dat nigger tore his shirt in two Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music RUN, NIGGER, RUN (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Run, nigger, run! De patter-rollers'll ketch you Last Line: Dat nigger tore up de whole co'n field Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs RUNNIN' ME CRAZY, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Says I'm almost crazy : and I'm all here by myself Last Line: And when you know anything : you'd be almost crazy with the blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RUNNING ACROSS TO THE LOT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Our fathers were dead and %our brothers were dying Subject(s): African Americans - History; Despair; Ethnic Identity; Slavery RUSTLIN' MAN, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: I'm a rustling man : I rustle night and day Last Line: I haven't found nothing : boy for a poor rustling man to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) RUTH, by COLLEEN JOHNSON MCELROY Poem Source First Line: It took 27 years to write this poem Last Line: Read this %and count them Subject(s): African Americans - Women S-SSS-SS-SH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her great adventure ended Last Line: But mother and child %thoughtt it fun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SAD AND BLUE, by IVY SMITH Poem Source First Line: I'm going to write : my man today Last Line: Because when I start slipping : I'll make you sad and blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAD AND LONESOME BLUES, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I was sad and lonesome : when I walked into my baby's door Last Line: I did not think : you would treat me this a-way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAD NEWS BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I got a letter : I got a letter here in my hand Last Line: Even though you been kind : there's nothing that you can do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SADIE AND MAUD, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Maud went to college Last Line: In this old house. Subject(s): African Americans - Women SAI BODDEOH SUMPUN KOMO, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I am not going to marry sumpun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SAIL AWAY, LADIES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: De devil'll git you. Sail away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SAILING DATE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twisted and strange Last Line: It's sailing date. %their captain's %there Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SAILOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He sat upon the rolling deck Last Line: Than god -- and lonely Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SAILORS ON LEAVE, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No boy chooses war Last Line: To battle for, to die Subject(s): African Americans SALES TAX, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: These times now : ain't suiting me Last Line: Everything is sold : by the government rule Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SALLIE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Sallie! Sallie! Don't you want to marry? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SALT RISING BREAD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I loves saltin', saltin' bread Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SALTY DOG, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now just one thing : that worry my mind Last Line: He saves his money : and use his fist Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SALTY DOG BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Says it ain't but the one thing : that grieve my mind Last Line: I'll be the *worst* boy : to pour the coffee pot Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SALUTE TO SOVIET ARMIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mighty soviet armies marching on the west Last Line: Salute to the soviet armies -- from our land Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SAM, by BEVERLY JARRETT Poem Source First Line: You gave me this morning Subject(s): African Americans SAM IS A CLEVER FELLOW (NURSERY RHYME) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Say! Is yo' peaches ripe, my boy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SAM'S WORLD, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: Sam's mother has Last Line: A black and grey %round head of hair Subject(s): African Americans SAM, YOU'RE JUST A RAT, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Sam you say you my friend : but your ways I just don't like Last Line: So I'm going to give you a vacation : that's a round-trip ticket to hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAME IN BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said to my baby, / baby, take it slow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SAME IN BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said to my baby, %baby, take it slow Last Line: When a dream gets kicked around Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SAMSON PREDICTS FROM GAZA THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It will be your hair Last Line: If you do not they will Subject(s): African Americans; Fire; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Samson; Survival; Negroes; American Blacks SANTA CLAUS, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Santy claus : won't you please hear my lonesome plea Last Line: I don't want nothing for christmas : but my baby back to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SARAH'S PROMISE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who understands better than I Last Line: Spare me my one good boy. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Bible; Faith; Sons; Belief; Creed SASSAFRAS TEA, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: The sass'fras tea is red and clear Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SATAN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De lawd made man, an' de man made money Last Line: He blinds you wid his san'. He's trying to git you, man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SATCHMO, by YEVGENY ALEXANDROVICH YEVTUSHENKO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Great satchmo plays all bathed in sweat Last Line: To the better player, %to louis! Alternate Author Name(s): Evtushenko, Evgeni Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971); Jazz; Music And Musicians SATORI, by GAYL JONES Poem Source First Line: Disturbed by consciousness %god created creation Last Line: We pray over our beer %and I spring from the %buddha's forehead %black as jesus Subject(s): African Americans - Women SATURDAY BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Now you tell me mama : do you think that's right Last Line: It takes all them dogs : to run my woman down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SATURDAY DRIVE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Saturdays, uncle son drives slow Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SATURDAY DRIVE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Saturdays, uncle son drives slow Last Line: Still shiny enough to see her face Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SATURDAY MATINEE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I first see imitation of life Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SATURDAY MATINEE, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I first see imitation of life Last Line: An empty screen, pale blue, diamonds falling %until it's all covered up Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SATURDAY NIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Play it once Last Line: Do it mr. Charlie, till de red dawn come Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SATURDAY NIGHT SPENDER BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Every saturday : go to work in a doggone place Last Line: My regular found out I was a saturday night spender : and it sure did make her mad Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAUDADES, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Caporiestas dance in la marqueta modelo square Last Line: Bahia nightblack %spirit eye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Angola; Dancing And Dancers SAVANNAH MAMA, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Mmm : lordy lordy lord Last Line: Says I'd like to love you baby : but your good men got me barred Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAVE IT FOR ME, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: You's a good-looking woman : pretty as you can be Last Line: Just want to know mama : if you save it for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAVE ME SOME, by JED DAVENPORT Poem Source First Line: Work now mama : both night and day Last Line: Doing that stuff : will be the death of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAWMILL BLUES, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Oh : hey hey hey hey Last Line: Because I can't sleep for dreaming : sure can't stay woke for crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SAY HELLO TO JOHN, by SHERLEY ANNE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: I swear I ain't done what richard Last Line: His bright black face above me %saying, say hello to john Subject(s): African Americans - Women SAYINGS OF HENRY STEPHENS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you get enough money Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Farm Life; Coal Mines & Miners; Springfield, Illinois'; Strikes; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Agriculture; Farmers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts SCANDAL BLUES, by MONETTE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Spreading lies and gossip : surely is one shameful sin Last Line: I'll put coals in someone's shoes : to make warts when they walk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SCAREY DAY BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I wants to wait around here baby : until your fried *rice* get done Last Line: I been wandering around georgia : with these doggone scary day blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SCARLET RIBBONS, by JACK SEGAL Poem Source First Line: I peeked in to say good night Last Line: Scarlet ribbons for her hair Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SCHOOL GIRL BLUES, by ROSIE MAE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Now tell me little daddy : what you got on your worried mind Last Line: Lord that brownskin man : caused me not to obey my poor mother's rule Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SCOOP IT, by KID WESLEY WILSON Poem Source First Line: Scoop it : pretty mama for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SCOOP IT, by LEOLA B. WILSON Poem Source First Line: Now you grab your partner : large or small Last Line: I can get way back : in my knees Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SCOTTSBORO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: 8 black boys in a southern jail Last Line: World, turn pale Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SCOTTSBORO, TOO, IS WORTH ITS SONG, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SCOTTSBORO, TOO, IS WORTH ITS SONG, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said Last Line: Surely, I said, %now will the poets sing. %but they have raised no cry. %I wonder why Subject(s): African Americans SCRAPPLE FROM THE APPLE, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Ladies and gentlemen Last Line: Proceeds the son %laughs Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) SCREAMIN' AND HOLLERIN' BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: Hackson on a high hill mama : natchez just below Last Line: Take god to tell : when I'll be back here anymore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SCREAMIN' THE BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Talk about blues : you ought to hear mine Last Line: Just let him know : that you got another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEA CALM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How still Last Line: For water %to be so still that way Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SEA CHARM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sea charm %the sea's own children Last Line: And that the sea holds %a wide, deep death Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SEARCH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All life is but the climbing of a hill Last Line: And back in space to where time was begun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SEARCH, by JOHARI MAHASIN RASHAD Poem Source First Line: I look for my father in old men's faces Last Line: I keep looking away Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers SEARCH FOR BLACK MEN: VIETNAM POST-MORTEM, by BEVERLY FIELDS BURNETTE Poem Source First Line: Where did all the black men go? Last Line: Another tragic waste of race %regardless of the deed Subject(s): African Americans; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 SEARCH WARRANT BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Mr police captain : listen to my plea Last Line: If she thinks she can quit me : she really have lost her mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEARCHING, by ALICE S. COBB Poem Source First Line: The chains that bind my thinking Last Line: Where she dare preen and reaffirm %her womanness Subject(s): African Americans - Women SEARCHING THE DESERT FOR THE BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: You may search the ocean : you might go across the deep blue sea Last Line: That's why : I'm walking my baby home anyhow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEASCAPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Off the coast of ireland Last Line: We saw an indian merchantman %coming home Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Ships And Shipping SEASHORE THROUGH DARK GLASSES (ATLANTIC CITY), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beige sailors with large noses Last Line: Scent salty-colored %compass points Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SEASONS, by ROSALIE SHANNON Poem Source First Line: Old man %bent, gnarled, broken Last Line: Has paid his dues %proudly Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers SECOND GENERATION: NEW YORK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama %remembers the four-leaf clover Last Line: This city -- and they're dear Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SECOND-HAND WOMAN BLUES, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: All dolled up : looking keen Last Line: Can't use it : if it's forty years old Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SECRET, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I shall make a song like your hair Last Line: I shelter a song for you %secretly Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SECRET, by MARY JENNESS Poem Source First Line: O you that strike will never flinch Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Racism SECTION GANG BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: I been working on the section: *section* thirty-two Last Line: Oh he looked at me: and he walked away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SECULAR, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Work-week's end and there's enough Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SECULAR, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Work-week's end and there's enough Last Line: Like gospel, like gold Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SEDUCTION, by JO ANN HALL-EVANS Poem Source First Line: Sensuous %sloe eyed Last Line: Se - duc - ed!! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Seduction SEE, SEE RIDER, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: See see rider, see what you done done Last Line: You didn't come home till the sun was shinin' bright Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEEING A NEW SISTER, by E. ALMA FLAGG Poem Source First Line: Baby sister doesn't know Last Line: They say she's here for keeps Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life SEEKING A MORE PRIVATE WORD, by OPAL PALMER ADISA Poem Source First Line: The word love Last Line: You is black gold Subject(s): African Americans SEEN BETTER DAYS, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: I seen better days: when times wasn't so hard Last Line: Sometime I think: lord I declare I declare Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SELF DEFENSE, by FLORENCE ANTHONY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Y'all listen to me Last Line: That is how you hold the nigger down %and beat him to death with his own freedom Alternate Author Name(s): Ai Subject(s): African Americans; Barry, Marion (b. 1936); Washington, D.c. SELF PORTRAIT, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would be Subject(s): Self; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SELF-CONTROL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Befo' you says dat ugly word Last Line: Dat donkey cain't count ten Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Self-control SELF-EMPLOYMENT, 1970, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who to be today? So many choices Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SELF-EMPLOYMENT, 1970, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who to be today? So many choices Last Line: Up under that wig, her head %sweating, hot as an idea Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SELF-HATRED OF DON L. LEE, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I %began Last Line: Brown %outer Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): African Americans; Self-hate SELLING THAT STUFF, by BOB ROBINSON Poem Source First Line: Aunt jane gave a dance : and she had a crowd Last Line: She used to sell stuff : and she sells it still Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SELLING THE JELLY, by NOAH LEWIS Poem Source First Line: I'm a jelly-selling woman : I sell it every day Last Line: Before you buy my jelly? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEMINOLE BLUES, by GEORGE NOBLE Poem Source First Line: And I came up this morning : baby don't you want to go Last Line: Lord I got a-traveling on the mind : *anyone thing I'll be dying* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEMINOLE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: My baby's gone : won't be back no more Last Line: I'm going to find my baby : if I have to ride the blinds Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEND ME TO THE 'LECTRIC CHAIR, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Judge judge please mr judge : send me to the electric chair Last Line: I don't wan : to spend no ninety-ninety years in jail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SENSES OF HERITAGE, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandpa waz a doughboy from carolina Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): Race Awareness; African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Trees; Moon; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives SENT FOR YOU YESTERDAY, by JIMMY RUSHING Poem Source First Line: Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the trees Last Line: Baby, you can't love me and treat me thataway Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEPIA FASHION SHOW, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Their hair, pomaded, faces jaded Last Line: You got at miss ann's scrubbing Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Beauty SEPIA FASHION SHOW, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Their hair, pomaded, faces jaded Last Line: I'd remind them please, look at those knees %you got a miss ann's scrubbing Subject(s): African Americans - Women SERVING GIRL, by GLADYS MAY CASELY HAYFORD Poem Source First Line: The calabash wherein she served my food Last Line: The countless things she served with her eyes? Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SET DOWN GAL, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Said I ain't no preacher : I'm just a bachelor man Last Line: Don't like to catch you : start to messing around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEVEN MOMENTS OF LOVE: 1. TWILIGHT REVERIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here I set with a bitter old thought Last Line: It's dark on this stoop, lawd! The sun's gone down! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SEVEN SISTER BLUES, by EDWARD+(3) THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: Coal-black woman : fry no meat for me Last Line: Says I knowed by that : my gal was graveyard bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEVEN SISTERS BLUES--PART 1, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: They tell me seven sisters in new orleans : they can really fixa man up right Last Line: Will you build me up where I'm torn down : and make me strong where I'm weak Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEVEN SISTERS BLUES--PART 2, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: I went to new orleans louisiana : just on account of something I heard Last Line: If seven sisters can't do anything in louisiana : bet you'll have to go to new orleans Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SEVENTH STREET, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Money burns the pocket, pocket hurts Subject(s): African Americans; City & Town Life; Social Commentaries; United States - Prohibition (1919-1933); Negroes; American Blacks SEVINGES, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Down in natchitoches there is a statue in a public square Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SEX LAUGH, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You'se heard a many a gal laugh Last Line: An' say: 'she! She-she! She-she-she!' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SEXUAL PRIVACY OF WOMEN ON WELFARE, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The aclu mountain states regional office came across a %welfare application Last Line: Of a city street whose perspective %darkens with the morninglight? %document Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Privacy; Sex; Welfare SHACK BULLY STOMP, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I used to play slow : but now I play it fast Last Line: I got something new : that I ain't never told you yet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHADES OF PIGMEAT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the quarter of the negroes Last Line: (and ain't never had a black house) %do, jesus! %lord! %amen Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHADOWS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We run, %we run Last Line: We must break through these shadows, %we must find the sun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Shadows SHADY GROVE BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now baby but I'll see you : baby in the spring Last Line: You know my woman she done quit me : and I'm going to start to raising hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHADY LANE BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Now I've got a girl : she lives down in in shady lane Last Line: Don't lose your temper : when you've been drinking booze Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAFRO, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now that my afro's as big as shaft's Last Line: I grow beautiful as the theatre dims Subject(s): Shaft (fictional Character); African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SHAGGY DOG BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: I'm going up on a mountain : I'm going to do just like a hog Last Line: Son these women around here : just *they pretty want* you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE 'EM ON DOWN, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Say you lying around here sweet baby : your face full of frowns Last Line: There's a good time here : better one around the road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE 'EM ON DOWN, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Get your nightshirt mama : and your gown Last Line: Made me drunker : than that old whiskey still Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE HANDS AND TELL ME GOODBYE, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: I don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye Last Line: You give your loving : to the other men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE IT DADDY, by MAE GLOVER Poem Source First Line: You used to be sweet milk : but you done turned sour on me Last Line: Because the way you shake it : will make me do things right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE IT, BLACK BOTTOM, by ANNA BELL Poem Source First Line: There's a certain girl : name is suley brown Last Line: I spent all my money : to ??? That thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE MATTIE, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Shake shake mattie : shake rattle and roll Last Line: I know old mattie : by the dress she wore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE THAT THING, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says down in georgia : where the dance is new Last Line: You don't need no lesson : to shake that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE THAT THING, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now down in georgia : they got a dance that's new Last Line: The *hobo* ??? : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHAKE THE PERSIMMONS DOWN: 1, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De raccoon up in de 'simmon tree Last Line: Jes clam up whar dey grow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHAKE THE PERSIMMONS DOWN: 2, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Opossum in persimmon tree Last Line: And cook a good possum pie Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHAKESPEARE IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hey ninny neigh! Last Line: Went home to her ma Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHALL I SAY, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shall I say, 'my son, you're branded in this country's pageantry Last Line: With a faith that shall not falter, in your heart and on your tongue! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Children SHALL THE GOOD GO DOWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All over the world Last Line: Where is their %town? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHAME ON YOU, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you're great enough %and clever enough Last Line: Black people don't remember %ant more than white. %if you're not alive and kicking, %shame on you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHANNON STREET BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: I went down on shannon street : now to buy me some alcohol Last Line: She said sonny boy I'm scared if you get a drink of whiskey : and I'm scared that we won't ride very Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHANTY BLUES, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to the nation : I ain't going to make no fuss Last Line: Show me that woman : anybody can trust Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHARE-CROPPERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just a herd of negroes Last Line: Plowing life away %to make the cotton yeild Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Labor And Laborers SHAVE EM DRY, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now here's one thing : can't understand Last Line: If your man catch you : I don't mean no harm Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE AIN'T NO GOOD, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Some men likes their country girl : my girl lives in town Last Line: I got up next morning and come back home : been running ever since Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE BELONGS TO ME BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: It was early one morning : just about the break of day Last Line: And the reason I love her : says she belong to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE BELONGS TO THE DEVIL, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: She belongs to the devil : lord I cried many a day Last Line: Yes she belongs to the devil : ooo well she have wrecked a-many home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE CAN LOVE SO GOOD, by FRANKIE HALF PINT JAXON Poem Source First Line: I've got a gal : she's low and squatty Last Line: Came all the way from dixie : to put that thing on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE COULD TOODLE-OO, by HAMBONE WILLIE NEWBERN Poem Source First Line: Her mama phoned the doctor ; says come here quick Last Line: Fell down : and broke her little toodle-oodle-oo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE DON'T LOVE ME THAT WAY, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I got something to tell you baby : you can't do Last Line: You let these cats : make a fool of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE DONE SOLD IT OUT, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: You know I had a gal : she run a java shop Last Line: I believe I can find something : just begun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE HUGGED ME AND KISSED ME (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I see'd her in de springtime Last Line: An' she jes say 'go long' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHE LEAVES MEMPHIS AN' SHE NEVUH MAKE NO STOP, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHE ROLLS IT SLOW, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I got a little woman : but I swear she treats me mean Last Line: Gets it all together : then she mix it in her dough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE SAID ..., by JONATHAN HENDERSON BROOKS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She said, 'not only music; brave men marching' Last Line: "mary, it is the same with me,"" she said." Subject(s): African Americans - Military; World War Ii; Second World War SHE SAID I COULDN'T COME ANYMORE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: In about six months more Last Line: Oh, I can't come no mo' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHE STAYS OUT ALL NIGHT LONG, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: I told my old lady : no longer than the week before last Last Line: Lord how can a poor man feel : one he loves stays out all night long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE STAYS OUT ALL NIGHT LONG, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Lord I told my old lady : no longer than week before last Last Line: Just like a hobo on a freight train : haven't had a decent meal today Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE WAS A DREAMER, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now my baby was a girl : she was sweet sixteen Last Line: She was the dreamingest girl : from miles around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE WON'T TREAT ME KIND, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Well I worry I worry : I worries all the time Last Line: Because the good times I used to have : I can't have no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE'S A FOOL GAL, by ED BELL Poem Source First Line: Now you need not think : because you're black Last Line: Big as an elephant : strong as a mule Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE'S A GOOD LOOKING MAMA, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: She's a good-looking woman : teeth don't even shine like pearls Last Line: Sure I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't going to be your dog Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE'S FREE!, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How say that by law we may torture and chase Last Line: For the child of her love is no longer a slave. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery; Social Protest; Women; Serfs SHE'S GONE BLUES, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: When you were down : sick down on your bed Last Line: I'll be up the country : drinking that cool can beer Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE'S GOT A MEAN DISPOSITION, by HENRY TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: She got a mean disposition : and she got such a lowdown dirty way Last Line: I just sit around and worry : I worry with my fool self Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE'S GOT A NICE LINE, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: Big girl I love : live on eighteenth street Last Line: I better not catch : nobody else with it Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHE'S JUST GOOD HUGGIN' SIZE, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Oh my baby : just about good hugging size Last Line: But I caught her two-timing me : and I swear I turn her damper down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHEARING TIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It must be nice to be a sheep Last Line: That poor old sheep bleats, 'oh, dear!' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHEEP AND GOAT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Sheep an' goat gwine to de paster Last Line: An' de sheep split 'is lip wide a big broad grin Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHEEP SHELL CORN (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh: de ram blow de ho'n an' de sheep shell co'n Last Line: When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'n Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHEIK OF DESPLAINES STREET, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I know a man : he's on our street Last Line: His ways and actions : is hard to beat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHELBY COUNTY WORKHOUSE BLUES, by HAMBONE WILLIE NEWBERN Poem Source First Line: I left old memphis tennessee : on my way back to [dear old] *maltree* Last Line: Lord the guards done treat me : like I was a lowdown dog Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHEPHERD'S SONG AT CHRISTMAS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look there at the star! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The SHEPHERD'S SONG AT CHRISTMAS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look there at the star! Last Line: I will bring my heart %to the manger Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas SHIELDS STRONG, NULLA NULLAS ALIVE, by LIONEL FOGARTY Poem Source First Line: Morning dawning stems that core Last Line: How sad are you. %or shields are strong %nulla nullas alive Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHIM SHAMMING, by EDDIE KELLY Poem Source First Line: Said I don't care : what mama don't allow Last Line: Going to *eeya-eeya* : anyhow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHINE AND THE TITANIC, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One day when the great titanic was sinking away Last Line: Shine was on broadway, one-third drunk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SHINEY TOWN BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: I ain't no rounder : but I stays at home Last Line: Ain't nothing that separate from me : for you to be my wife Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHININ' PISTOL, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I'm going to get me a brand new [shiny] pistol : with a long shiny barrel Last Line: I won't be dead with trouble : you know I died to *lose* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHINING PARLOR, by ANITA SCOTT COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: It was a drab street Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SHIPWRECK BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Captain : tell your men to get on board Last Line: I feel like : someone has shipwrecked poor me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHIPWRECKED BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Oh the gale is raging : and my ship without a sail Last Line: Lord if someone don't save me : I'll go down singing the shipwreck blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHOO FLY! (I WOULD NOT MARRY A BLACK GIRL) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Shoo fly! Don't bother me Last Line: De naps'll 'gin to fly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHOO! SHOO! (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Pass dat cider an' 'simmon beer Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHOOK IT THIS MORNING BLUES, by JOE EVANS Poem Source First Line: Now I shook it this morning : baby until late last night Last Line: I ain't go nowhere : to lay my weary head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHOOTIN' STAR BLUES, by LIZZIE MILES Poem Source First Line: I done crossed my fingers : and counted up to twenty-three Last Line: But when the stars are shooting : I know bad luck is in that sign Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHORT HAIR BLUES, by KID STORMY WEATHER Poem Source First Line: That's all right baby : lord that's all right for you Last Line: Dirty roaches and the chinches : done tore my little gin house down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHORT LETTER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: She writ me a letter Last Line: My honey - good-by Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SHORT POEM FOR RIGHTEOUS BROTHAS BECAUSE YOU ARE:, by JENNIFER E. SMITH Poem Source First Line: Afrikan sundancers Last Line: Black magicians Subject(s): African Americans SHORTER, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Got to shorter and saw it all Last Line: You can't Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama SHORTY GEORGE, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Well shorty george : ain't no friend of mine Last Line: I ain't got long down here : honey you heard I had Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHOTGUN BLUES, by BOB CAMPBELL Poem Source First Line: Get me a shotgun : and use it in the woods Last Line: You done started me to loving you : and now your other man done come Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHOTGUN BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: You ought to heard my grandmother : when she got my grandfather told Last Line: Now if you can stand to leave me : I'll try to love to see you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHOUT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen to yo' prophets Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHOUTING BABY BLUES, by UNKNOWN+213 Poem Source First Line: I know my baby : she going to jump and shout Last Line: Oh hollering and screaming : where that long-gone man of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHOW FARE, PLEASE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me, mama, can I get my show Last Line: Show fare, mama.... %show fare! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SHOWERS OF RAIN BLUES, by EDWARD+(3) THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: Don't mistreat me mama : because I'm your little wild Last Line: What see the way them fishes : do the shivaree Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHRIMP MAN, by MOSES MASON Poem Source First Line: Shrimp is the thing : you love best Last Line: I'm going to holler : but I'm going home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SHUCKIN' SUGAR, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I've got your picture : and I'm going to put it in a frame Last Line: I only want to stay like I am : and slip from town to town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SICK AFRICAN, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wm. Yates, colored Last Line: Too weak to stand. Subject(s): African Americans SICK BED BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: When I left [home] : my little girl was sick and in the bed Last Line: I *never did mind though* : ooo well now when all your *gold* is gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SICK MAN, by WALLACE STEVENS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bands of black men seem to be drifting in air Last Line: The peaceful, blissful words, well-tuned, well-sung, well-spoken Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians SICK ROOM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How quiet %it is in this sick room Last Line: And all three covered with a sheet of pain Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SICK WIFE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Las' sadday night my wife tuck sick Last Line: If you saves po' me de gizzard Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SICK WITH THE BLUES, by HENRY TOWNSEND Poem Source First Line: People I've tried every doctor : every doctor in my neighborhood Last Line: Because I've already found out : that your love is not true Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SIGNIFYING MONKEY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: The monkey and the lion Last Line: A-way-up out of he way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SIGNS OF SPRING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bright, jolly sunshine and clear blue skies Last Line: Are the things which tell us that spring is here Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SIGNS, OAKVALE, MISSISSIPPI, 1941, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first time she leaves home is with a man Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SIGNS, OAKVALE, MISSISSIPPI, 1941, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first time she leaves home is with a man Last Line: Nothing but cotton and road signs-stop or slow Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SILENCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I catch the pattern Last Line: Every tone I seek %is heard Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SILENT ONE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This little silent one -- Last Line: This little %silent %one Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SILHOUETTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Southern gentle lady Last Line: Be good! %be good! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Three Songs About Lynching: Silhouett Subject(s): African Americans SILHOUETTES, by EDNA BINTLIFF Poem Text First Line: Stiff cat-tails mirrored in a pool Last Line: Is never known to me. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Brothers; Soldiers; Half-brothers SILLY ANIMALS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The dog ran down the street Last Line: There they go again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SIMON LEGREE: NEGRO SERMON; MEMORIAL TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Legree's big house was white and green Last Line: Down, down with the devil. Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SIMON SLICK'S MULE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere wus a liddle kickin' man Last Line: An' sen' you half a mile! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SINCE 1619, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How many years since 1619 have I been singing spirituals? Last Line: Lean and hungry and tired of my dry bones and years? Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Slavery SING ME A SONG FOR A NEGRO, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Sing me a song for a negro Last Line: Sing me a song for a negro Subject(s): African Americans SING SONG BLUES, by BOB COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: If you ever been down mama : you know just how [I, a prisoner] feel Last Line: I drinking wine and whiskey : mama and your home-brewed beer Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SINGER, by GERALD WILLIAM BARRAX Poem Source First Line: Black angel %doing what she's gotta do Last Line: Doing what they've gotta do %black angels Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians SINGING NIGGER, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your bony head, jazbo, o dock walloper, Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SINGLE MOTHER, ANOINTING 133RD AND LENNOX, by LINWOOD M. ROSS Poem Source First Line: You just know Last Line: Shoes, manless, and wearing those invisible jewels of self-determination, %she reigns Subject(s): African Americans; Mothers SINGLE TREE BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Hit my woman : with a singletree Last Line: She ain't there : she's all over town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SINGLE WOMAN'S BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: I don't feel welcome : I'm going to blow Last Line: Then I will quit wandering : before it's too late Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SINKING OF THE TITANIC, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: It was 1912 when the awful news got around Last Line: Shine was in sugar ray's bar drinking seagrams seven Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SINNER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Have mercy, lord! Last Line: An' a sinner in yo'sight %have mercy, lord! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SIRENS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Red lights in the cold night Last Line: Never be warm again Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama SISSY MAN BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: I believe: I believe I'll go back home Last Line: Lord you going to hear these blues again mama: well you sure got to sing them yourself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SISTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That little negro's married and got a kid Last Line: Did it ever occur to you, boy, %that a woman does the best she can? %comment on stoop %so does a man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SISTER JOHNSON MARCHES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here am I with my head held high Last Line: It's de first of may! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SISTER LOU, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Honey Last Line: Honey, take yo' bressed time. Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Railroads; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Railways; Trains SISTER LOVE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: My sister and I dream of adoption - someday Last Line: And whispered, 'thanks, but no' Subject(s): African Americans; Love SISTER MAIME FIELDS, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Dull patina %over rim of blue eye Last Line: All heavy loads lighter Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Memory; Old Age SISTER MARY WEARS A PRETTY GREEN SHAWL (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Early in the morning Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SISTER OUTSIDER, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were born in a poor time Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women SISTER OUTSIDER, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were born in a poor time Last Line: And beyond fear Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women SISTER SUKIE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I always loved peaches of simone's four women Last Line: Where did you get such %a brown, pretty baby Subject(s): African Americans - Women SISTER SUKIE II, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I believe you came Last Line: Precious medallion around our lives Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Sisters SISTERLOVE 1, by JOHARI MAHASIN RASHAD Poem Source First Line: Hug your brother, little sister Last Line: Know that it's not all his fault Subject(s): African Americans SISTERS, by ALEXIS DE VEAUX Poem Source First Line: Ntabuu %ntabuu - selina and ntabuu of the red dirt road in new orleans Last Line: Ancient grafiti hidden on vulva walls Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights SITTIN' ON A LOG, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: I was sitting on a log: just like a doggone dog Last Line: I'm going to stay right here: wait on something new Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SITTING DOWN THINKING BLUES, by JIMMY ODEN Poem Source First Line: Just sitting down thinking : drinking my trouble through Last Line: And if I don't love you : I wouldn't care what you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD, by JOE EVANS Poem Source First Line: Worked all the summer : and all the fall Last Line: Why should you beg me : and say goodbye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Was all the summer : and all the fall Last Line: Why should you beg me : and say goodbye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SITUATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I rolled three 7's Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SITUATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I rolled three 7's Last Line: I was scared to walk out %with the dough Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SIX-BITS BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gimme six-bits' worth o' ticket Last Line: I got to roll along Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SKEET AND GARRET, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Got me accused for murder : and stealing was my crime Last Line: You been following me : around this whole week Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKIN GAME BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Good morning skin game : hollering skin game please last Last Line: I would take a walk downtown : buy me a brand new pair of shoes and hat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKIN GAME BLUES, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: When I ??? Game last night : thought I'd have some fun Last Line: Soon as I reach old georgia : the niggers carried a handcuff to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKIN MAN, by HI HENRY BROWN Poem Source First Line: Skin man's hollering : passing right by my door Last Line: Well they sell your wife skins : and take her away from you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKIN TRADE, by REGINALD SHEPHERD Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: And then I said, that's what it means Subject(s): Rivers; Longing; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SKINNER, SKINNER, YOU KNOW THE RULE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SKINNY WOMAN, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Lord I don't want no skinny woman : I want a woman with a-plenty of meat Last Line: Now she was a sweet little woman : she just wouldn't be loving and kind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKOODLE DO DO, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: I got up this morning : mama about half past four Last Line: Whop you on the head : until you learn some sense Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKOODLE DO DO, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Got up this morning : about half past four Last Line: Whop you on your head :until you learn some sense Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKOODLE UM SKOO, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Now I got a lady : by the name of sue Last Line: All these brownskins : none of them mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SKYLINES, by BESSIE MAYLE Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SLAVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To ride piggy-back Last Line: I ride protected Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SLAVE MARRIAGE CEREMONY SUPPLEMENT, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: Dark an' stormy may come de wedder Last Line: She's now yo' own. Salute yo' bride Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;marriage;slavery; Negro Spirituals;weddings;husbands;wives;serfs SLAVE SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I can see down there Last Line: Wishing star %north star %how far Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SLAVE SONGS, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of the plantaton Last Line: There are the rhythms of slavery. %let my people go! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SLAVE TO THE BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Ain't robbed no train : ain't done no hanging crime Last Line: I'm a good-hearted woman : but still I'm chained to the blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLAVES, by JAMES GRAINGER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Yet, planter, let humanity prevail.- / perhaps the negro, in his native land Last Line: The blacks should cultivate the cane-land isles. Subject(s): African Americans; Oppression; Plantation Life; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SLEEP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the lips %and the body Last Line: And the body %are done Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SLEEPLESS NIGHTS BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Now let me tell you : how I'd like to see my baby now Last Line: I want you to hug and kiss me baby : now when I come walking in your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLEEPY MAN BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: When a man gets troubled in mind : he want to sleep all the time Last Line: I will do most anything : to keep from weaking down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLIM GREER, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen to the tale %of ole slim greer Last Line: You'se a leetle too dumb, %fo' to stay up here Variant Title(s): Slim In Hel Subject(s): African Americans SLIVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cheap little rhymes %cheap little tune Last Line: To cheap little rhymes %can cut a man's %throat sometimes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SLOP JAR BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says I feel just like mama: throwing my slop jar in your face Last Line: Says I walked all the way up beale street: I bowed my head at every old gal I met Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLOPPY DRUNK AGAIN, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: My gal done quit me : found somebody else Last Line: A brownskin woman : tell her when I come to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLOPPY DRUNK BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I'd rather be a sloppy drunk : than anything I know Last Line: And I'm sloppy drunk : drinking by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLOPPY DRUNK BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know Last Line: Now I'm sloppy drunk mama : sleeping all by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLOPPY DRUNK BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now I would rather be sloppy drunk : oh than anything I know Last Line: Now if you want me to stop drinking whiskey : you ain't talking about nothing at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLOW DRIVING MOAN, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I rambled till I'm tired : I'm not satisfied Last Line: Don't play that band mr : just play the blues for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLOW MAMA SLOW, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: Take your time kind mama : I'm going to do it just as slow as I can Last Line: Look out your back door : see me leave this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SLUM DREAMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little dreams %of springtime Last Line: On air alone %they're hung Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SMALL MEMORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have this %strange small memory Last Line: The search %that is %not mine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SMALL ODE TO A BLACK CUBAN BOXER, by NICOLAS GUILLEN Poem Source First Line: Your gloves Last Line: Know proud, authentic black! Subject(s): African Americans; Fights; Victory SMOKING WITH T. FANNY, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: T. Fanny moved in next door to us when I was eight Last Line: Cigarettes on her birthday every year Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama SMOTHERED FIRES, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A woman with a burning flame Last Line: She breathed a softgood-night! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Passion SNAIL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little snail Last Line: Drinking %the dewdrop's %mystery Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Snails SNAIL'S REPLY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Snail! Snail! Come out'n o' yo' shell Last Line: I'll jes take my chances in here whar I dwell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SNAKE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He glides so swiftly Last Line: To seek a stone %to kill him Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SNAKE DOCTOR BLUES, by JAYDEE SHORT Poem Source First Line: I'm a snake doctor man : everybody's trying to find out my name Last Line: He's got roots and herbs : steals a woman man everywhere he land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SNAKE-BACK SOLO #1, by QUINCY TROUPE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: With the music up high Last Line: Feeding time can become a window %to see through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians SNATCH IT BACK BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: I'm going to lay my head : down on some railroad track Last Line: Ooo : ooo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SNIGGLIN' BLUES, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: I done everything : a poor ??? Man can do Last Line: And tell me so many ??? : that I have no need no cash Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SNITCHIN' GAMBLER BLUES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: People in this town: lord they ain't no friend to you Last Line: I left all the snitching people : way behind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SNOB, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If your reputation Last Line: Too far to one side Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SNOW IN OCTOBER, by ALICE RUTH MOORE DUNBAR-NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today I saw a thing of arresting poignant beauty Last Line: As prematuure grief grays the strong head %of a virile, red-haired man Alternate Author Name(s): Nelson, Alice Dunbar (moore) Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SO CLOSE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Missed out even more than %all the time Subject(s): African Americans; Togetherness SO LONELY AND BLUE, by JOHNNIE TEMPLE Poem Source First Line: Baby I'm feeling so lonely : and I'm feeling so blue Last Line: You know about that baby : you have done throwed me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SO LONESOME, by RAMBLIN' THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I'm so lonesome lonesome : I don't know what to do Last Line: Said be careful in your traveling son : you got to reap just what you sow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SO LONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So long / is in the song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SO LONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So long %is in the song Last Line: You're gone so long %so long Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SO MANY FEATHERS, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You danced a magnetic dance Last Line: So many feathers I remember %josephine josephine Subject(s): African Americans - Women SO TIRED BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm gonna wake up some mornin' Last Line: Tired as I can be Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SOBBIN' HEARTED BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: You treated me wrong : I treated you right Last Line: Going to keep on walking : until I lose these sobbing-hearted blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOBBIN' WOMAN BLUES, by ELIZABETH JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Oh I ain't got : no easy rider now Last Line: Keep me worried : bothered all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOCIETY BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: When I was society : the women would not let me be Last Line: It was a little brownskin woman : stole my heart away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOFT, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: My mama holds me Last Line: Precious baby, %precious one.' Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels SOILD AS A HOLE IN THE WALL (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'm as solid as a hole in the wall Last Line: Dat I must no take it any more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SOLACE, by CLARISSA SCOTT DELANY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My window opens out into the trees Last Line: Which knows no pain. Subject(s): African Americans - Women SOLEDAD, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Naked, he lies in the blinded room Last Line: Oh swings: beyond complete immortal now. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Davis, Miles (1926-1991); Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Songs SOLEDAD POEMS: ELEGY FOR GEORGE JACKSON, by WILLIAM WITHERUP Poem Source First Line: They say you died in a patch of sunlight Last Line: You enter the hour of myth Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Crime And Criminals; Ku Klux Klan; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Police; Racism SOLEDAD: A CUBAN PORTRAIT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The shadows %of too many nights of love Last Line: So deeply scarred, %so still with silent cries Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SOME DAY, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Baby I say you going to need : my little help some old lonesomeday Last Line: You got me here in all this lowdown trouble : baby and this lowdown way that you do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOME DAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once more %the guns roar Last Line: Shared by everyone Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SOME HANDS ARE LOVLIER, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: Two trees breathe Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SOME SCREAMED HIGH YELLOW, by SAM BUTLER Poem Source First Line: I didn't *roll in here* : *till lord sometime* last night Last Line: Catch a long jumping judy : go on across the hill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMEBODY BIGGER THAN YOU AND I, by J. LANGE Poem Source First Line: Who made the mountains. Who made the trees Last Line: You -- than you -- and I Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Faith SOMEBODY'S BEEN BORROWING THAT STUFF, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Look a-here judge : give me the lowest fine Last Line: I am going : to raise some hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMEBODY'S BEEN TALKIN', by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I hate to see : that rising sun go down Last Line: Lord I got a notion : my woman done and left this town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMEBODY'S GOT TO GO, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Well well me and my woman : we can't get along no more Last Line: And it may be me : and it may be you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMEDAY BABY, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Don't care where you go : how long you stay Last Line: You can steal my best woman : but you sure can't make her stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMEDAY BABY BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: I don't care how long you gone : I won't care how long you stay Last Line: You's a no-good woman : you don't mean no good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMEDAY I'LL BE IN THE CLAY, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: I dropped my baby off : among my friends Last Line: If I ain't gone to heaven : you know I gone to hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMETHING FISHY, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: You arms don't feel the same : your lips is icebox cold Last Line: But since you been running out with your girl friend : you just a plain old everyday clown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMETHING GONNA HAPPEN TO YOU, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: I'm going to ask my buddy now : how come he shares Last Line: Used to gang around me : like the ants on a bug Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMETHING LIKE A SONNET FOR PHILLIS MIRACLE WHEATLEY, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Girl from the realm of birds florid and fleet Subject(s): African Americans - History; Wheatley, Phillis (1753-1784); Black Heritage SOMETHING LIKE A SONNET FOR PHILLIS MIRACLE WHEATLEY, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Girl from the realm of birds florid and fleet Last Line: Your early verse sweetens the fame of our race Subject(s): African Americans - History; Wheatley, Phillis (1753-1784) SOMETHING TO REMEMBER ME BY, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Well then, now, welcome Last Line: You have a long and %a prosperous stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) SOMETIME MAMA, by CURLEY WEAVER Poem Source First Line: Sometime mama : you're good as good can be Last Line: You going to get you another man : if you don't stop your sometime ways Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A MOTHERLESS CHILD, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text Last Line: Way up in de hebbenly lan' Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals SOMETIMES I THINK I LOVE YOU, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Hey sometime I think I love you : then again I don't Last Line: Want for me to beg rob and steal : bring it all home to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SON TO MOTHER, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I start no Last Line: "before I annihilate Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SON TO MOTHER, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I start no Last Line: Before I annihilate %their ignorance? Subject(s): African Americans SONG, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: We raise de wheat Last Line: And say dat's good enough for nigger Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs; Negro Spirituals SONG, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am weaving a song of waters Last Line: Sing a little faster! %sing! Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SONG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sons of slaves and Last Line: A life of death is the death of life Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SONG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sons of slaves and Last Line: Bricks and sticks and diamonds witness %a life of death is the death of life Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lovely, dark, and lonely one Last Line: Beat with bare, brown fists -- %and wait Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am the dusk Last Line: O brothers mine. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SONG, by PAULI MURRAY Poem Source First Line: Because I know deep in my own heart Last Line: Would say, 'I want you always near' Subject(s): African Americans - Women SONG AFTER LYNCHING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I guess democracy's meant to be Last Line: With a lynching tree Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG FOR A BANJO DANCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shake your brown feet, honey Last Line: The sun's going down this very night -- %might never rise no mo' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG FOR A DARK GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Way down south in dixie Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Lynching; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) SONG FOR A DARK GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Way down south in dixie Last Line: Love is a naked shadow %on a gnarled and naked tree Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Lynching; Southern States SONG FOR BILLIE HOLIDAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What can purge my heart Last Line: Where? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks SONG FOR MY BELOVED, by ERICA ANNETTE PIERCE Poem Source First Line: My lover has sloe eyes Last Line: Let me see the sun rise %in my lover's sloe eyes Subject(s): African Americans SONG FOR OURSELVES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Czechoslovakia lynched on a swastika cross Last Line: Will it be here, brother Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG FOR TWO, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: Two hearts are singing a love song Last Line: I love you. My father. My son.' Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels SONG FOR YOU, by JOYCE CAROL THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Let me make a song for you Last Line: And the rhyming of the wind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SONG IS YOU, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Prof, who wasn't, but Last Line: Okay, charlie says %plotting his revenge Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) SONG OF ADORATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would like to be a white man, wouldn't you? Last Line: Halleloo!... O halleloo ... %hallelloo-o-o Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG OF PRAISE, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You have not heard my love's dark throat Last Line: Then seal your lips until the sun %discovers one as fair Subject(s): African Americans; Desire; Love SONG OF PRAISE FOR THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED MEN, by OPAL PALMER ADISA Poem Source First Line: Don't know why Last Line: Being a real good man Subject(s): African Americans SONG OF SPAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come now, all you who are singers Last Line: A workers' world %is the song of spain Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) SONG OF THE CORN, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, hits time fur de plantin' ur de co'n Last Line: O, hits time fur de eatin' ur de co'n. Subject(s): African Americans; Corn; Gullahs; Negroes; American Blacks SONG OF THE REFUGEE ROAD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Refugee road, refugee road Last Line: Walking down the refugee road Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG OF THE REVOLUTION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sing me a song of the revolution Last Line: Waken, at last, to the joy of life Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG OF THE SON, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pour, o pour that parting soul in song Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; New Year; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SONG OF THE SON, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pour, o pour that parting soul in song Last Line: Caroling softly souls of slavery Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; New Year; Slavery SONG TO A NEGRO WASH-WOMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, wash-woman, %arms elbow-deep in white suds Last Line: For you I have many songs to make %could I but find the words Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONG TO THE RUNAWAY SLAVE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Go 'way from dat window, 'my honey, my love' Last Line: Dat you cain't git yo' lodgin' here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SONGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sat there singing her Last Line: I said, %there are %no words Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONGS FOR A COLORED SINGER, by ELIZABETH BISHOP Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: A washing hangs upon the line Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music SONGS FOR A COLORED SINGER, by ELIZABETH BISHOP Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A washing hangs upon the line Last Line: For this occasion's all his fault, %the time has come to call a halt Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SONGS TO THE DARK VIRGIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Would %that I were a jewel Last Line: To annihilate thy body, %thou dark one Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SONNET, by ALICE RUTH MOORE DUNBAR-NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had no thought of violets of late Last Line: Of violets, and my soul's forgotten gleam. Alternate Author Name(s): Nelson, Alice Dunbar (moore) Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Flowers; Violets SONNET TO A NEGRO IN HARLEM, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: You are disdainful and magnificent Last Line: You are too splendid for this city street. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Americans; Harlem (new York City); United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America SONNET TO NEGRO SOLDIERS, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: They shall go down unto life's borderland Last Line: There breaks this day their dawn of liberty. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Soldiers' Writings SOO COW SOO, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: If you see my cow : tell her hurry home Last Line: I'd give anything : that the poor cow needs Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOON, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: Soon one evening or soon one morn Last Line: A wonderful angel like me Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels SOPHISTICATED MAMA, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Sophisticated mama : don't turn your nose up at me Last Line: Can't give you nothing but loving : and you'll have to make that do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOR JUANA, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Santisima sor juana Last Line: Mulata benita. %juanita %amen Subject(s): African Americans SORE BUNION BLUES, by BLIND RICHARD YATES Poem Source First Line: Told the shoe man : give me a size fourteen Last Line: Let him start : to working on my buns Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SORROWFUL BLUES, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: If you catch me stealing : I don't mean no harm Last Line: Just stip in my back yards : and take a peep at mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Calling black people Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks SOS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Calling black people Last Line: Calling all black people, come in, black people, come on in Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Black Nationalism SOUL PROPRIETORSHIP, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Billy eckstine, now I %understand why you Last Line: Collars, billowing, for lift off Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Eckstine, Billy (1914-1993) SOUND OF SWING, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of %big band jazz Last Line: I watch the world dance to the music of swing. %hi de hi de ho Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SOUNDING, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And so the seasons, they tell us Last Line: Blind visionaries babbling Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry SOUNDING, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And so the seasons, they tell us Last Line: All no no no self no no no no selves no no no no world no no no no no no Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Social Protest SOUNDINGS AT MEMPHIS (SONGS OF THE LEADSMAN), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: And it's a quarter less twain %mark twain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SOUNDINGS FROM TEE COLLINS (SONG OF THE LEADSMAN), by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SOUNDINGS FROM UNCLE MAC (SONG OF THE LEADSMAN), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Quarter less twain %mark twain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SOUTH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lazy, laughing south Last Line: And in her house my children %may escape the spell of the south Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SOUTH, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I returned to a stand of pines, / bone-thin phalanx Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Slavery; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) SOUTH, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I returned to a stand of pines, %bone-thin phalanx Last Line: In my native land, this place they'll bury me Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Slavery; Southern States SOUTH BOUND BACKWATER, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It's been snowing forty days : and the ground is covered with snow Last Line: Backwater done wrecked my cabin : and there's no place that I can call my home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTH CAROLINA RAG, by WILLIE WALKER Poem Source First Line: I asked her for a drink of water : she brought gasoline Last Line: Ain't so pretty : but she's the sweetest in town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTH MEMPHIS BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: I don't want you to weep mama : I don't want you to moan Last Line: Before I'll take you to south memphis : I going bid you adieu Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTH SONG, by ROY ADDISON HELTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm for the south, - for the black-eyed south Last Line: From beauty's warm lips on the bride-bed of june. Subject(s): African Americans - History; Southern States; Black Heritage; South (u.s.) SOUTHBOUND BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: No need to ask me : why I'm packing my clothes Last Line: So I'm going down south : shake this dust of this town off my feet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN BLUES, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Blues jumped the monkey : and run him for a solid mile Last Line: And when they gets on me : talk like a natural man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: House catch on fire %and ain't no water 'round Last Line: If he beats me ragged %he's got to rag it some Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN CAN IS MINE, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Now look here mama : let me tell you this Last Line: But every time I hit it : you going to holler god dog Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN CAN MAMA, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Now look a-here mama : let me explain you this Last Line: I'll grab you woman : and turn you every way but loose Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN CASEY JONES, by JESSE JAMES Poem Source First Line: I heard the people say : casey jones can't run Last Line: You got another lady : on the same damn track Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN COP, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let us forgive ty kendricks Last Line: And the dying negro moan Subject(s): African Americans; Murder SOUTHERN MAMMY SINGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Miss gardner's in her garden Last Line: Just ain't got no heart %no, m'am! %just ain't got no heart Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SOUTHERN MANSION, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poplars are standing there still as death Subject(s): African Americans; Haunted Houses; Southern States; Supernatural; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) SOUTHERN MANSION, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poplars are standing there still as death Last Line: They have broken roses down %and poplars stand there still as death Subject(s): African Americans; Haunted Houses; Southern States; Supernatural SOUTHERN NEGRO SPEAKS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I reckon they must have Last Line: When folks talk about freedom -- %and jim crow me? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SOUTHERN RAILROAD BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says my gal she caught the southern: and the fireman he rang the bell Last Line: Said I'm going back home mama: and I'm going back there to stay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN ROAD, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Swing dat hammer - hunh - / steady, bo' Subject(s): African Americans; Roads; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Paths; Trails; South (u.s.) SOUTHERN ROAD, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Swing dat hammer - hunh - %steady, bo' Last Line: Let me go; %po' los' boy, bebby, %evahmo... Subject(s): African Americans; Roads; Southern States SOUTHERN ROAD, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There the black river, boundary to hell Last Line: I have to love you, though they sweep me far. %and I set forth upon the southern road Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Underground Railroad SOUTHERN SEA BLUES, by JAKE JONES Poem Source First Line: I was shipwrecked on the ocean : throwed off on the southern sea Last Line: If I don't love you pretty mama : I will pray to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN WOMAN BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Way down south : you ought to see the women shimmy and shake Last Line: I won't go to fishing : mama I done broke my pole Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUTHERN WOMAN'S BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Takes a southern woman : to sing this southern song Last Line: These northern men : are about to let my poor hambone spoil Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SOUVENIR FROM ANYWHERE, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: People of color untie-dyed Subject(s): African Americans; Race Awareness; Negroes; American Blacks SPARKING OR COURTING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se heaps older than three Last Line: I don't co't lak no snail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SPEAK SOFTLY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Wus dat you spoke Last Line: An' de fish jes swim away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SPEAKING OF FOOD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hear folks talking Last Line: That's what we ought to say Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SPEAKING OF TRAINS: INCOGNITO: WOMAN IN BLUE, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poet's Biography First Line: The streets are empty tonight Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SPEAKING OF TRAINS: INCOGNITO: WOMAN IN BLUE, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The streets are empty tonight Last Line: And just ahead %is the station Subject(s): African Americans SPEAKING OF TRAINS: MOVEMENT 2: HOW TO MEET THE TRAIN, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poet's Biography First Line: I have a method Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SPEAKING OF TRAINS: MOVEMENT 2: HOW TO MEET THE TRAIN, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I have a method Last Line: But oh the many ways I c ould tell you you are wrong Subject(s): African Americans SPEAKING OF TRAINS: SOUTH TRAIN STUDY, MOVEMENT 1, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poet's Biography First Line: In the early morning hours Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SPEAKING OF TRAINS: SOUTH TRAIN STUDY, MOVEMENT 1, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In the early morning hours Last Line: Some questions have more rhythm than others' Subject(s): African Americans SPECIAL AGENT, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now when I left for richmond : the weather was kind of cool Last Line: Now I got to do some recording : and I ought to be recording right now Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SPECIAL BULLETIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lower the flags Last Line: Peel off the skin, %peel peel %peel off %the skin Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SPECIAL DELIVERY BLUES, by SIPPIE WALLACE Poem Source First Line: My man packed his trunk : and said I'm going away Last Line: Because if you didn't : it will give me those special delivery blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SPECIAL RIDER BLUES, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: I ain't got no : special rider here Last Line: Hear you done call : the easy rider special blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SPECIAL STREAM LINE, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Hey dad : I'm sorry to leave my home Last Line: Mmm : I believe I'll lose my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SPECULATION, 1939, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: First, the moles on each hand Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SPECULATION, 1939, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: First, the moles on each hand Last Line: Not that elevator lurching up, then down Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping SPIDER AND THE FLY, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Up said the spider : to the little fly one day Last Line: I'll give you loving : loving until you die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SPIRIT FLOWERS ARE OUR LIVES, by DELLA BURT Poem Source Last Line: Spirit flowers are we Subject(s): African Americans - Women SPIRIT OF GOSPEL, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of gospel Last Line: And the heart of rhythm and blues. %amen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music SPIRITUAL: THE LONELY MOTHER, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, my mother's moaning by the river Last Line: Swaying for her son who walks in sorrow. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Black Songs; Despair; Mothers; Negro Spirituals SPIRITUALS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rocks and the firm roots of trees Last Line: Sing, o black mother! %song is a strong thing Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SPIRITUALS, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yes these are ours ... The spirituals Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SPORT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Life %for him Last Line: Drunk long %ago Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SPRING FOR LOVERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Desire weaves its fantasy of dreams Last Line: Forgetting -- flowers wither in an hour Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SPRING SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A bluebell springs upon the ledge Last Line: Of spring, spring, spring! Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks SQUABBLIN' BLUES, by UNKNOWN+201 Poem Source First Line: My baby done quit me : talked all over town Last Line: Said it's traintime now : *said that* ring I did adore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SQUAT IT, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: I've got a man : works on the railroad track Last Line: But when he's doing the squatting : you might a-hear me squall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SQUEAKY WORK BENCH BLUES, by JAMES YANK RACHEL Poem Source First Line: I can't love you baby : I'm going to tell what's this all about Last Line: Said I'd rather go by myself : and look to the good lord above Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ST. LOUIS BLUES, by KATHERINE HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: I hate to see : that evening sun go down Last Line: Why the man I love : would not have gone nowhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ST. LOUIS BLUES, by JIM JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Well I hates to see : that evening sun go down Last Line: And a black-headed girl : will make a preacher ball the jack Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ST. LOUIS BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I hate to see : the evening sun go down Last Line: The man I love : wouldn't go nowhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ST. LOUIS CYCLONE BLUES, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I was sitting in my kitchen : looking way out across the sky Last Line: How the cyclone spared us : nobody but the lord can tell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ST. LOUIS DADDY, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I hate to leave st louis : and I tried so hard to stay Last Line: Now I'm going to detroit : and find me an angel man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) ST. MARTIN, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: O little slave saint with your broom of pampas and your cross Last Line: Dos santos %amen Subject(s): African Americans; Prayer; Religion ST. PETER BLUES, by NOLAN WELSH Poem Source First Line: Mama mama : baby how can it be Last Line: I'll say look a-here st peter : you got any white lightning here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STACK O' DOLLARS, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Stack of dollars : just as long as I am tall Last Line: It weren't nothing that she knowed lord : just something that she heard Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STACK O' DOLLARS BLUES, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Now it's too late to holler baby : too late to weep and moan Last Line: For that stack of dollars is worrying me : lord and I got togo Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STACKER LEE (1), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Stacker lee is lookin' fo' the bully Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STACKER LEE (2), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Stacker lee's wife, she's heard the bad news Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STACKER LEE (3), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Oh, stack in the rivuh, turnin' all roun' an' roun' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STACKOLEE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: One dark and dusty day Last Line: Shine was in sugar ray's bar drinking seagrams seven Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music STAGGERING BLUES, by ROSIE MAE MOORE Poem Source First Line: Because you see me staggering : baby don't you think I'm drunk Last Line: But the day you try to quit me : brother that's the day you die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STALINGRAD: 1942, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are the inactive ones who Last Line: Victory -- your glory! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STAMP BLUES, by TONY HOLLINS Poem Source First Line: Well I woke up this morning : half past four Last Line: Streets was crowded : and I couldn't get through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STAND BACK, BLACK MAN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Stan' back, black man, %you cain't shine Last Line: Hain't nothin' side o' me? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STAND UP SUITCASE BLUES, by UNCLE BUD WALKER Poem Source First Line: Hey mama : honey what's the matter now Last Line: Said this sideboard soo lord : carry load of wine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STAR SEEKER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have been a seeker Last Line: Wild beauty. %now behold my scars Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STAR-FIX, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At his cramped desk Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Relatives STAR-FIX, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At his cramped desk Last Line: Going hungry for five or six hours %to give his flight-lunch%to his two little girls Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life STARS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O, sweep of stars over harlem streets Last Line: Out of the little breath of oblivion %that is night %take just %one star Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Homosexuality STARS IN ALABAMA, by JESSIE REDMOND FAUSET Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In alabama %stars hand down so low Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women STARVATION BLUES, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: Starvation in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door Last Line: Mean my luck going to change : and I going to be treated this a-way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STARVATION FARM BLUES, by BOB CAMPBELL Poem Source First Line: Well I'm going to detroit : get myself a job Last Line: Woman if you keep on a-smiling : I'm sure going to take your place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STATE OF TENNESSEE, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: I got a voice like a radio : it broadcasts everywhere Last Line: Double e double r : double e double n o p Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STATE OF TENNESSEE BLUES, by JENNIE CLAYTON Poem Source First Line: I'm worried now ; and I won't be worried long Last Line: If you don't want no trouble : please don't you worry my man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STATEMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down on '33rd street Last Line: Every way they is Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STATESBORO BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Wake up mama : turn your lamp down low Last Line: I looked over in the corner : grandma and grandpa had them too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STATIONS, by PHILIP BOOTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old, their big shoulders humped Last Line: To end, the far side of the macon station Subject(s): African Americans; Railroad Stations; Negroes; American Blacks STATIONS, by PHILIP BOOTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old, their big shoulders humped Last Line: To end, the far side of the macon station Subject(s): African Americans; Railroad Stations STATUS SYMBOL, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I / have arrived Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STATUS SYMBOL, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I %have arrived Last Line: White -- locked -- john Subject(s): African Americans STAVIN CHAIN, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Stavin chain he's dead an' gone, lef me to carry the good work Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STEALIN' STEALIN', by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Stealing stealing : pretty mama don't you tell on me Last Line: She's a married woman : come to see me sometime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STEALING A RIDE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Two liddle nigger boys as black as tar Last Line: Dey's gwineter git to heaben shoer bye-an'-bye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STEALING BO-HOG, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I'm not an elephant baby : my snout is large and round Last Line: I got me a pigmeat woman : don't need no sowbelly no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STEEL DRIVIN' MAN, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Steel-driving sam : steel-driving man of mine Last Line: He works on the railroad : daylight-savings time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STEEL MILLS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The mills %that grind and grind Last Line: Grinding out new steel, %old men Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STELLA BY STARLIGHT, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: My mother couldn't understand how my father, a man stuffed so full Last Line: Their dark faces reflected the light and were shining Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parents STEP IT UP AND GO, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: Had a little girl : she was little and low Last Line: Hear my gal call me : and I got to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STEPFATHER BLUES, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: When I was a little boy baby : about sixteen inches high Last Line: He's a no-good weed : and swear he done me wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STERED GAL, by MISSISSIPPI BRACEY Poem Source First Line: She wouldn't if she could : and she wouldn't do it at all Last Line: Ain't mush *chitlin* : but stir it in the house Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STEVEDORE MAN, by LEOLA B. WILSON Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning about half past nine : and I just could no keep from cryin Last Line: And that woman done got lucky : lord and stoled her man back again Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STEW MEAT BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: A man say I had something : look like new Last Line: You try my stuff one time : you can't get enough Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STICK-A MA-STEW (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Cain't mend dat randsome, handsome gown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STILL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And our points %sharpening good as anybody's Subject(s): African Americans - History; Ethnic Groups - United States STILL HERE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been scarred and battered Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STILL HERE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been scarred and battered Last Line: I'm still here! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STILL I RISE, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You may write me down in history / with your bitter, twisted lies Last Line: I rise. Subject(s): African Americans - Women STILL WATER CREEK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Way down yon'er on still water creek Last Line: If it goes back dar, I sho's gwine to die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STILL WATER RUNS DEEP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat still water, it run deep Last Line: Jes roll 'round an' rattle Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STINGING SNAKE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: This house is full of stinging snakes : crawling all in my bed Last Line: I believe to my soul : that my stinging snake trying to put me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STINGY WOMAN--BLUES, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: And it's stingy woman : come and sit down on my knee Last Line: And you trying to quit me : lordy woman and you don't know how Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOCKING FEET BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Somebody : just keep on calling me Last Line: Won't some good man : tell me some woman's name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOKELY MALCOLM ME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have been seeking Last Line: Did I ever live %up your %way? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Carmichael, Stokely; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) STOLE RIDER BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I'm going to grab me a train : ride the lonesome rail Last Line: That why : I've got these old stole rider blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOMP DOWN RIDER, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: When I first met you mama : you were so nice and kind Last Line: Come back and show you : how to eagle rock Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOMP THAT THING, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now my song's gotten tight : they won't treat me right Last Line: Stomping that thing : is about to change my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STONE IN MY PASSWAY, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I got stones in my passway : and my road seem dark as night Last Line: I been feeling ashamed about my rider : babe I'm booked and I got to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STONE PONY BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I got me a stone pony : and I don't ride shetland no more Last Line: Come a storm at night : and tore the wire down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STONED, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Rancid reasoning of a thousand Last Line: Exploding in his head Subject(s): African Americans - Children STONES OF SOWETO, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Our recent dead have no shame Last Line: And the many clamoring stones %of soweto Subject(s): African Americans STONEWALL BLUES, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: Tell me mailman : I can't get no news Last Line: Down in that old foundry : trying to roll my cares away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STONEWALL STREET BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey Last Line: I ain't going to stay around here : and be your stumbling block Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STONY LONESOME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They done took cordelia Last Line: Cordelia's %in stony %lonesome %ground! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STOP AND LISTEN BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Yes I'm *jailhouse* ??? : long old lonesome day Last Line: It was ??? : ??? All around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOP AND LISTEN BLUES NO. 2, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: When I left town this morning : I was on my way back home Last Line: I never will see : sweet babe ever anymore Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOP BREAKIN' DOWN BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Every time I'm walking : down the street Last Line: When some pretty mama : starts breaking down on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOP LOOK AND LISTEN, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Oh stop and listen : hear those bells a-tone Last Line: Watch the pallbearers : when they lay my faro down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOP THAT THING, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now mama killed a chicken : and thought it was a duck Last Line: The monkey told the baboon : you got no sense Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOP YOUR RAMBLING, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Baby stop you way of rambling : stay at home with me sometime Last Line: But some day baby : you'te going to reap just what you sow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOP-TIME, by RODERICK HARTIGH JELLEMA Poem Source First Line: Paul stewart from the college was black (was the point) Last Line: Man I didn't mean it when I made you lie to me Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians STOPPED IN MEMPHIS, by STEVEN ALBERT BAUER Poem Source First Line: Rain's grey buckshot spatters the windshield Last Line: It allows no disruption of travel, %no assassin's bullet Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) STORMY WEATHER NO 1, by JOSHUA+(1) WHITE Poem Source First Line: Lord it rained : it rained as far as I could see Last Line: And I won't be worried : about these stormy weather blues no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STOVE PIPE BLUES, by UNKNOWN+205 Poem Source First Line: When you get down to memphis : won't find me there Last Line: Good lord now when you get to memphis : won't find me there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STRANGE BROOD (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De ole hen sot on tucky aigs Last Line: Mighty queer chickens! See? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STRANGE FAMILY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Once dere's an ole 'oman dat lived in de wes' Last Line: An' dey're all deir own gran'mother. %can you guess? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STRANGE FRUIT, by JOY HARJO Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was out in the early evening, taking a walk in the fields to think about this Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Lynching; Music & Musicians; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry STRANGE FRUIT, by JOY HARJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was out in the early evening, taking a walk in the fields to think about this Last Line: My feet betray me, dance anyway from this killing tree Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Lynching; Music And Musicians; Racism STRANGE HURT [SHE KNOWS], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In times of stormy weather Last Line: Naked through the cold. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STRANGE MAN, by HELEN GROSS Poem Source First Line: Last night I went out alone : I was lonesome as could be Last Line: I ain't got nobody : and you sure look good to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STRANGE OLD WOMAN (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere wus an ole 'oman, her name was nan Last Line: One leg stood still, while de tother kep' runnin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STRANGE PLACE BLUES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: I'm a stranger at this place : and I'm looking for my mother's grave Last Line: I be glad when that day comes : ooo well when these blues drive me away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STRANGER BLUES, by ROSIE MAE MOORE Poem Source First Line: If I feel tomorrow : like I feel today Last Line: Lord I find my man : I'm going to nail him to the wall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STRANGER IN TOWN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walked all over the zoo and the park Last Line: Yes, I'll know %my way around Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STREAMLINE TRAIN, by CRIPPLE CLARENCE LOFTON Poem Source First Line: Streamline train : back train to front Last Line: One thing I can tell you : get your mind off that man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STREET CAR BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now I know the people : is on the wander everywhere Last Line: Lord I'm going to quit my bad way of living : and visit the sunday school Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STREET LAMPS IN EARLY SPRING, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night wears a garment Last Line: Move slowly with their gem-starred light Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women STREET SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jack, if you got to be a rounder Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STREET SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jack, if you got to be a rounder Last Line: Just don't let mama catch you %makin' rounds at night Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans STREET WALKIN', by SONNY BOY NELSON Poem Source First Line: Nobody knows : streetwalking women like I do Last Line: Then again she will tell you : to pack your clothes and go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) STRONG HANDS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Heres' yo' bread, an' here's yo' butter Last Line: W'en dey hits you, it's 'good-bye-cow' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs STRONG MEN, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They dragged you from the homeland Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Slavery; Social Protest; Strength; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Serfs STRONG MEN, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They dragged you from the homeland Last Line: The strong men gittin' stronger %strong men %stronger Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Slavery; Social Protest; Strength STRUCK SORROW BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going away : now don't you want to go Last Line: Going to leave town : and hang crepe on your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUBSTITUTION, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Is life itself but many ways of thought Last Line: His all-mind bids us to keep this sacred place Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SUBURBAN EVENING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A dog howled %weird became the night Last Line: Unreasonable %ghosts Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUBWAY FACE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That I have been looking Last Line: I take a local down Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUBWAY RUSH HOUR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mingled %breath and smell %so close Last Line: So near %no room for fear Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Subways SUCCESS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here I sit with my belly full Last Line: With onions on it, %and I eat Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUE COW, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Little boy little boy : who made your britches Last Line: I got to have that milk today : to make my bread Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUGAR IN COFFEE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Sheep's in de meader, a-mowing o' de hay Last Line: So I'll take sugar in de coffee-o Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SUGAR LOAF TEA, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Bring through yo' sugar-lo'-tea, bring through yo' candy Last Line: But all I wants is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my love so handy Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SUGAR MAMA, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Sugar mama sugar mama : where did you get your sugar from Last Line: Everybody wants some of your sugar mama : ooo well well but please don't let them have more than fou Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUGAR MAN BLUES--PART 1, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Sugar man sugar man : please come back to me Last Line: I ain't had nothing sweet : since my sugar been gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUGAR MAN BLUES--PART 2, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Sugar man sugar man : you got the best sugar in town Last Line: Lord I want my sugar : just to *have my* sugar *and how* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUGAR PUDDING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'm tired of the women : the day she cook Last Line: I'm talking about the ??? : ??? Your head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUGARLAND BLUES, by UNKNOWN+306 Poem Source First Line: You never have nothing : long as you live in sugarland Last Line: Because I've got another woman : baby and I'm going to let you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUICIDE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma sweet good man has Last Line: Cause de river's quiet %an' a po' gal can sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUICIDE BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone Last Line: Goodbye cruel world : I'm glad I left you behind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUICIDE BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone Last Line: So goodbye old cold world : I'm glad you're left behind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUICIDE CITY, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I turn in bed toward my lover Last Line: Ever %at the tracks Subject(s): African Americans SUICIDE'S NOTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The calm / cool face of the river Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SUICIDE'S NOTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The calm %cool face of the river Last Line: Asked me for a kiss Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUITCASE FULL OF BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Hand me down my suitcase : *reach* my walking cane Last Line: *get* another ??? : ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUMMER EVENING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mothers pass, %sweet watermelon in a baby carriage Last Line: And in another week %it will again %be sunday Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUMMER IS COMING, by PEARL CLEAGE Poem Source First Line: The laughter in the street gets louder Last Line: And my brothers %clap their hands Subject(s): African Americans SUMMER MATURES, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The brilliant-bellied newt flashes Last Line: Come. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Sappho (610-580 B.c.) SUMMER NIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sounds %of the harlem night Last Line: Into the court-yard Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUMMER ORACLE, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Without exception %there is no end Last Line: Under its cloak of lies Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women SUMMER WORDS FOR A SISTER ADDICT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first day I shot dope Last Line: And we all sing Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Drugs & Drug Abuse SUMMER WORDS FOR A SISTER ADDICT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first day I shot dope Last Line: To mingle with the sister's young tears %and we all sing Subject(s): African Americans - Women SUN BEAM BLUES, by BILLIKEN JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Sunbeam's on time : I ain't got my fare Last Line: But if I miss the sunbeam : I will be seldom seen Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUN CAME, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) SUN DO MOVE', by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Who wouldn't believe Last Line: Who wouldn't, who %wouldn't believe! Subject(s): African Americans SUN SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sun and softness Last Line: I bring you my songs %to sing on the georgia roads Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUNDAY BY THE COMBINATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I feel like dancin', baby Last Line: I feel like dancin'! %baby, dance with me! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUNDAY MORNING PROPHECY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And now %when the rumble of death Last Line: That I who am thy shepherd %might live %amen! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUNDAYS OF SATIN-LEGS SMITH, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Inamoratas, with an approbation Last Line: Her body like summer earth, %receptive, soft, and absolute Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians SUNDOWN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+203 Poem Source First Line: I was standing in my back door : looking at the evening sun go down Last Line: She left me this morning : I hadn't done nothing wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Evening SUNDOWN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+205 Poem Source First Line: Mama I woke up this morning : mama had the sundown blues Last Line: When the wintertime gets here : I'll wear the b v ds Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Evening SUNFLOWERS AND SATURDAYS, by MELBA JOYCE BOYD Poem Source First Line: Daddy sits %in his brown %leather chair Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women SUNNYLAND, by ELMORE JAMES Poem Source First Line: Seems like I heard Last Line: And I hope it won't be long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUNRISE BLUES, by WILL DAY Poem Source First Line: Well the sun rose this morning : and laid down on my floor Last Line: Got the blues so bad : I really can't hardly see Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUNSET -- CONEY ISLAND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sun, %like the red yolk of a rotten egg Last Line: Is like a sick tomato %in a garbage can Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUNSET IN DIXIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sun is gonna go down Last Line: Goes down in dixie Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SUNSHINE BLUES, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: I've got the worried blues : got nowhere to go Last Line: And it may bring sunshine : and it may bring rain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUNSHINE MOAN, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: Oh tell me baby : how can it be Last Line: Got to give me lots of loving : and keep my company Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUNSHINE SPECIAL, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Burn the railroad down : so that sunshine special can't run Last Line: If I leave texas anymore : going to leave on that l and n Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUNSHINE SPECIAL, by SODARISA MILLER Poem Source First Line: Sunshine special : shine down on me Last Line: ??? : my ruination ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUSAN JANE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I know somebody's got my lover Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SUSIE GIRL (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ring 'round, miss susie gal Last Line: Yes 'love' 'my darlin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SUSIE-Q, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Well now I knowed a family : lived down in the avenue Last Line: You can't marry me : and somebody else too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SUZE ANN, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Yes: I loves dat gal wid a blue dress on Last Line: He hain't got nothin' to do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SWEET ETHEL WAS A ROAMING GIRL, by LINDA PIPER Poem Source Last Line: And she'll never %walk the streets no more Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Prostitution SWEET HOME BLUES, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I was thinking about going home : I don't believe that I will go Last Line: Well then again then if I go home : ooo well now do you think she will be mean to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET HOME CHICAGO, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Ooh : baby don't you want to go Last Line: Somebody will tell me : that you need my help some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET JELLY ROLLIN', by UNKNOWN+220 Poem Source First Line: Listen here mama : don't you be so fast Last Line: Can't get the woman I want : I'm going to use my Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET MAMA, by JAMES YANK RACHEL Poem Source First Line: I say you used to be sweet mama : but I ain't going to call you sweet no more Last Line: It had ??? : of my old-time used-to-be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET MAMA BLUES, by COLEY JONES Poem Source First Line: I tried to love you : way back on my young days Last Line: If the blues overtake me : rock away from there Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET MAN, SWEET MAN, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Sweet man sweet man : what makes you candy taste so hard Last Line: And I want to see my man : because because he's so good and kind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET MEAT HAS SOUR SAUCE; OR, THE SLAVE-TRADER IN THE DUMPS, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A trader I am to the african shore Last Line: Which nobody can deny. Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Slavery; Trade; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SWEET PAPA MOAN, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: Ooh : what am I going to do now Last Line: Than be here in the world : baby and be your slave Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET PATUNI, by JESSE JAMES Poem Source First Line: Ah wake up mama : wake up and don't sleep no sound Last Line: And I done told you two or three times : I don't want no junk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET PATUNIA, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Let me tell you : what sweet patunia do Last Line: He got ways like a barber : he's a full-blown man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET PATUNIA, by CURLEY WEAVER Poem Source First Line: I've got a gal : lives down by the jail Last Line: Baby had good tunis : but she couldn't get none Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET PATUNIA BLUES, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: I got the blues for my baby : she got the blues for I say me Last Line: If I get what I want : you can have the rest Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET PINKS AND ROSES (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Sweet pinks an' roses, strawbeers on de vines Last Line: You kiss dat pretty gal, an' I'll stan' back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs SWEET POTATO BLUES, by UNKNOWN+207 Poem Source First Line: There ain't no more potatoes : the frost done killed that vine Last Line: She could feed the ??? *pigmeat* : corn bread for her man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET ROSE OF ZION, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It could have been 1929 Last Line: Oh, sweet rose of zion, %fly free, %fly free Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Freedom; Movement SWEET SIXTEEN, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Uncle bert thought : he had *his daughter* trained Last Line: And she strutting her stuff : to who she please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET TO MAMA, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Lord I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my baby's bed Last Line: And now stop and take your time : and do your work everywhere you go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET WOMAN YOU CAN'T GO WRONG, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I'm lonesome as I can be : baby please come home to me Last Line: Although you my sweet woman : and I mean you can't go wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEET WORDS ON RACE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sweet words that take Last Line: Not hear them %anymore Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SWEETEST THING BORN, by UNKNOWN+212 Poem Source First Line: Says a married woman : sweetest thing ever been born Last Line: If you can't do like I tell you : mama go on your no-good way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) SWEETHEARTS DANCE, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: He pulls her close Last Line: Across the floor Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing And Dancers; Love SYLVESTER'S DYING BED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I woke up this mornin' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SYLVESTER'S DYING BED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I woke up this mornin' Last Line: Then everything was darkness %in a great big night Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans SYMPATHY (2), by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: I know what the caged bird feels, alas! Last Line: I know why the caged bird sings! Subject(s): African Americans; Birdcages; Freedom; Sympathy; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; Empathy T AND T BLUES, by MOOCH RICHARDSON Poem Source First Line: Will you iron my jumper : yes and starch my overalls Last Line: But I ain't got me nobody : I'm sleeping every night just by myself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T MODEL BLUES, by WALTER ROLAND Poem Source First Line: Said it's mmm baby : mmm baby mmm Last Line: Because you know I'm got to go home and ??? My old lady : because she won't come back no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T N AND O BLUES, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: The train I ride : is eighteen coaches long Last Line: Please send me back : the only man I love Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T-BONE STEAK BLUES, by JAMES YANK RACHEL Poem Source First Line: Say you talking about your red ripe tomato : I'm crazy about my t-bone steak Last Line: But you going to want me some of these mornings : and poor dad won't have you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T-U-TURKEY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: T-u, tucky, t-u, ti Last Line: Go wuk him in de co'n field jes fer fun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs T. B. BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now but ooh : t b's is killing me Last Line: And now even won't none of my friends : come and even rub my aching head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T. B. WOMAN BLUES, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It's too late too late : too late too late too late Last Line: I got tuberculosis : consumption is killing me Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T. B.'S GOT ME BLUES, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: T b's got me : all my friends done throwed me down Last Line: Well I wished I was dead : and in the land I'm doomed to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) T.P. WINDOW BLUES, by JACK RANGER Poem Source First Line: I was leaning in my window : looking in my baby's door Last Line: Taking my baby away : she ain't coming here no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TABLEAU, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At breakfast, the scent of lemons Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping TABLEAU, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At breakfast, the scent of lemons Last Line: That has begun to split the bowl in half Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping TAG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little cullud boys / with fears Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks TAG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little cullud boys %with fears Last Line: Frantic, %nudge their draftee years. %pop-a-da! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TAKE A LITTLE WALK WITH ME, by ROBERT LOCKWOOD Poem Source First Line: Come on baby : please take a walk with me Last Line: Until every time you see me : you want to walk some more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAKE A WALK AROUND THE CORNER, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Believe I'll take a walk : around the corner by myself Last Line: I just love to hear : my baby call my name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAKE ME BACK, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Now what I mean : by treating you right Last Line: I'll be good : as any man can act Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAKE ME BACK BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Take me back baby : you know I don't know my mind Last Line: Because you flirting with the undertaker : I mean it ain't no lie Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAKE ME FOR A BUGGY RIDE, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Daddy you really knows your stuff : when you take me for a buggy ride Last Line: You done sent salvation : to my very soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAKE YO' TIME, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Honey baby take yo' time, please don't break this leg uv mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TAKE YOUR FINGERS OFF IT, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Sometimes I walk : with me ??? Last Line: Her feets in the kitchen : her head's in the hall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAKIN' OFF, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Residing at the woodside Last Line: Old time-y %kaycee variations Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) TAKING A WALK (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: We's a-walkin' in de green grass dust, dust, dust Last Line: I'll take you by yo' liddle hand to walk wid me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TAKING YOUR PLACE, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Now tell me baby : how come you do me this a-way Last Line: Now someone has done something mama : about to take your place Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TALKING TO MYSELF, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Good lord good lord : send me an angel down Last Line: It weren't a thing : but the women trying to run me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TALLAHASSEE WOMAN, by LOUIS WASHINGTON Poem Source First Line: When you get in tallahassee : put your money down in your shoe Last Line: When you get in tallahassee : your woman put a *method* on you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TALLAHATCHIE RIVER BLUES, by MATTIE DELANEY Poem Source First Line: Tallahatchie river rising : lord it's mighty bad Last Line: But this tallahatchie river ; done got the best of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TAMBOURINES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Tambourines %to glory Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TAMPA BOUND, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: I'm going back to tampa : to that girl I left behind Last Line: I'm going back to tampa : just to kill my lowdown blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TANKA, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This man has sucked too Last Line: Navigate a blackwomansail Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Love – Complaints TAPESTRY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men who ride strange wild horses Last Line: Are dreaming of old amours Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TAPPIN' THAT THING, by CHARLIE BURSE Poem Source First Line: Say excuse me mama : I don't mean no harm Last Line: *got no rest : over my dead loot* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEACHER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ideals are like the stars Last Line: And I tremble lest the darkness teach %me that nothing matters Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TEACHING TABLE MANNERS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Now whilst we's here 'round de table Last Line: I'se had manners ev'r since Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TEASIN' BROWN BLUES, by LOUIE LASKY Poem Source First Line: Oh mama : I dream about you night and day Last Line: But she ain't not a good one : I'm going to cling on to my teasing brown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEDDY BEAR BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to make friends : with the fish in the deep blue sea Last Line: Tie a string on my neck : and I'll follow everywhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELEPHONE ARGUIN' BLUES, by JAYDEE SHORT Poem Source First Line: There's so many people : arguing on the telephone Last Line: Some woman love I used to have : gone seen my babe some day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELEPHONING THE BLUES, by VICTORIA SPIVEY Poem Source First Line: Hello there central : please give me my best man Last Line: Bet you fifty to one hundred : something is going on wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL IT TO THE JUDGE NO.1, by DESSA FOSTER Poem Source First Line: I'm telling you this morning : I'm tired of you searcing my house Last Line: That judge is going to lick me : because I been here so many times Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL IT TO THE JUDGE NO.1, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: Now you can lose your temper : but please don't lose your head Last Line: You better get on your knees and ask for mercy : because the judge giving breaks no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL IT TO THE JUDGE NO.2, by DESSA FOSTER Poem Source First Line: I'm guilty kind old judge : please treat me nice and kind Last Line: When I come back I'm going to gamble : and sell moonshine all my life Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL IT TO THE JUDGE NO.2, by J. T. FUNNY PAPER SMITH Poem Source First Line: They got you charged with having liquor : now tell me what is your plea Last Line: And change your sentence from the bridewell : send you to the pen for ninety-nine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL ME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why should it be my loneliness Last Line: Why should it be my song, %why should it be my dream %deferred %overlong? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TELL ME ABOUT IT, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: *some* was good : some said mean Last Line: *men say why* : *and hog people's stuff* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL ME BABY, by KING SOLOMON HILL Poem Source First Line: Now tell me baby : what time your ??? Leave Last Line: All these winston women : going to be the ruin of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELL ME MAN BLUES, by HENRY SIMS Poem Source First Line: Tell me man : which way the rising sun Last Line: I'm going to get me : a khaki suit Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TELLIN' YOU 'BOUT IT, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: When a man gets the blues : he sure will run around Last Line: But some day baby : you really need my little aid Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEMPERANCE RHYME (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Whisky nor brandy hain't no friend to my kind Last Line: Dey killed my po' daddy, an' dey troubled my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TEN YEARS OLD, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I paid my 30 cents and rode by the bus Last Line: And she said 'same thang son same thang' Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans TENEBRIS, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is a tree, by day Last Line: Or is it a shadow? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Shadows TENNESSEE WORKHOUSE BLUES, by JENNY POPE Poem Source First Line: This is that new workhouse : way out in merlin tennessee Last Line: I hate to see my daddy : carrying that heavy load Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TERENCE MACSWINEY, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TERRAPLANE BLUES, by FRANK EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: I saying I sad and lonesome : lord what I'm going to do Last Line: Say I can *peel off* that accelerator : and that gas come through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TERRAPLANE BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Well I feel so lonesome : you hear me when I moan Last Line: And when I mash down on your little starter : then your spark plug will give me fire Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TERRIBLE OPERATION BLUES (1), by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Get up on the table : pull off that gown Last Line: Go kind of easy : with them connection rods Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TERRIBLE OPERATION BLUES (2), by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Get up on this table : pull off that gown Last Line: From now on you'd be careful : with them there connection rods Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TESTAMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What shall I leave my son Last Line: Than she's got breath Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TESTIMONIAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I just had a piano Last Line: But I don't need no piano %neither organ %nor drum %for to praise my lord! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TEXAS AND PACIFIC BLUES, by COLEY JONES Poem Source First Line: That mean t p [railroad, railway] : sure has done me wrong Last Line: It makes me : want to pack up all my clothes and go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEXAS BLUES, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: I'm texas bound : I got a freight train on my mind Last Line: Because my sweet mama quit me : left me with the texas blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEXAS BLUES, by MARSHALL OWENS Poem Source First Line: I'm going back to texas : hear that wild ox moan Last Line: I hugging the pillow : where my fair brown did lay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEXAS BLUES, by WILLIE REED Poem Source First Line: I'm going out in west texas : where you hear the wild ox moan Last Line: Thinking about my lover : she had done put me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEXAS EASY STREET BLUES, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Tell me mama : what's the matter now Last Line: When you see me running : something going on wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEXAS MOANER BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I was born in texas : but I didn't stay Last Line: When one don't want you : the other one will take you in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TEXAS WORRIED BLUES, by HENRY+(1) THOMAS Poem Source First Line: I've got the worried blues : lord I'm feeling bad Last Line: Now fare thee my honey : fare thee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THANKSGIVING TIME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the night winds whistle through the trees and blow the crisp brown leaves Last Line: It's thanksgiving time Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THAT BLACK SNAKE MOAN, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Oh : ain't got no mama now Last Line: Black snake mama : done run my darling home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT BLACK SNAKE MOAN NO 2, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm : going to run that black snake down Last Line: He occupied my livingroom : and broke my *fairybook* down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT CRAWLIN' BABY BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: Well the baby crawling : on up to his mama's knee Last Line: My woman threw my clothes outdoors : and now I got those crawling baby blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT DA DA STRAIN, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: Have you heard it have you heard it : the da da swing Last Line: When everybody : hums this tune Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT HYPOCRITE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I tell you how dat hypocrite do Last Line: An' dat's de way dat hypocrite 'ten' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs THAT LONESOME TRAIN TOOK MY BABY AWAY, by CHARLIE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : found something wrong Last Line: Looked like every minute : I was stepping in another world Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT MEAN OLD YESTERDAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That mean old yesterday Last Line: Gimme back my diamond ring Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THAT STUFF YOU SELL AIN'T NO GOOD, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: That stuff you sell : ain't no good Last Line: I wouldn't buy none of that : even if I could Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT WILL BE ALRIGHT, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Well look here mama : see what you done done Last Line: Heard my gal : putting *cider* in Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THAT'S NO WAY TO GET ALONG, by ROBERT WILKINS Poem Source First Line: I'm going home : sit down and tell my ma Last Line: And that be no way : for me to get along Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THE AMERICAN BLACK (A STUDY IN RACE CONSCIOUSNESS), by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE Poem Text First Line: Night! Night! / and of the dawn no promise. Wrong is right Last Line: And dream of freedom that is not a name. Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Pain; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; Suffering; Misery; Serfs THE ANGEL'S VISIT, by CHARLOTTE L. FORTEN GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twas on a glorious summer eve Last Line: Was breathed before the throne. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE ANNIAD, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Think of sweet and chocolate Last Line: The minuets of memory Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Virgil (70-19 B.c.) THE ARTISTS' AND MODELS' BALL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonders do not confuse. We call them that Last Line: Our backs they alter. How were we to know Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE BEAN EATERS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They eat beans mostly, this old yellow pair Last Line: Tobacco crumbs, vases and fringes. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Farm Life; Old Age; United States; Women; Agriculture; Farmers; America THE BIRTH IN A NARROW ROOM, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Weeps out of western country something new Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Birth; Child Birth; Midwifery THE BLACK BACK-UPS, by KATE RUSHIN Poem Text Recitation by Author First Line: This is dedicated to merry clayton, fontella bass, vonetta Alternate Author Name(s): Rushin, Donna Kate Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; African Americans - Women; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Popular Culture - United States; Singing & Singers; Women's Rights; Songs; Feminism THE BLACK FAMILY PLEDGE, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because we have forgotten our ancestors Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity THE BLACK FINGER, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have just seen a most beautiful thing Last Line: And why are you pointing upwards? Subject(s): African Americans; Fingers; Nature; Negroes; American Blacks THE BLACK MAMMY, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O whitened head entwined in turban gay Last Line: That it some day might crush thine own black child? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Babies; Family Life; Infants; Relatives THE BLACK MAN IS MAKING NEW GODS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Atheist jews double crossers stole our secrets crossed Last Line: And put you back in a cold box Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE BLACK REGIMENT, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Dark as the clouds of even Last Line: Scorn the black regiment! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Patriotism; United States - History; War THE BLACK SAMPSON, by JOSEPHINE DEPHINE HENDERSON HEARD Poem Text First Line: There's a sampson lying, sleeping in the land Last Line: By his mighty arm his rights shall be obtained! Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs THE BLACKSTONE RANGERS: 2. THE LEADERS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jeff. Gene. Geronimo. And bop Subject(s): African Americans - Children THE BLACKSTONE RANGERS: 3. GANG GIRLS; A RANGERETTE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gang girls are sweet exotics Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: GEORGE ROBINSON: BLUES, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gauley bridge is a good town for negroes, they let us stand Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Illness; Dust; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers THE BRIDGE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have forgotten the head Last Line: (when you have let the song run out) will be sliding through unmentionable black Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE CHICAGO DEFENDER SENDS A MAN TO LITTLE ROCK, FALL, 1957, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In little rock the people bear / babes, and comb and part their hair Variant Title(s): The Chicago Defender Sends A Man To Little Rock Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement; Negroes; American Blacks THE CHILDREN OF THE POOR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: People who have no children can be hard Last Line: Holding the bandage ready for your eyes Variant Title(s): "people Who Have No Children Can Be Hard""; Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIERS, by CALVIN FORBES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where's the winning without chocolate Subject(s): African Americans - Military THE COLOR SERGEANT, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Under a burning tropic sun Last Line: Yet true, in death, to his duty. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Fights; Prejudice; San Juan Hill, Battle Of (1898); Soldiers; Spanish-american War (1898); Bias; Intolerance THE COLORED BAND, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin down Last Line: W'en de colo'ed ban' goes ma'chin' down de street. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Negroes; American Blacks THE COLORED SOLDIERS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: If the muse were mine to tempt it Last Line: Who fought for uncle sam! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; United States - History THE COLORED SOLDIERS OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, by EFFIE WALLER SMITH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All honor to the colored soldiers Last Line: "they're made of the ""proper stuff." Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Spanish-american War (1898) THE COMING OF KALI, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is the black god, kali Last Line: You know you know me well Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE CONQUERORS; THE BLACK TROOPS IN CUBA, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Round the wide earth, from the red field your valour has won Last Line: Not to ply! Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Cuba THE CREATION (A NEGRO SERMON), by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And god stepped out on space Last Line: Amen. Amen. Subject(s): African Americans; Religion; Time; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology THE CROCUSES, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They heard the south wind sighing Last Line: Were loving her so much. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE DAILY GRIND, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If nature says to you Last Line: God has blest you. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE DAMNED, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The drawers of my mother's bedroom Last Line: If either of us can be saved Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights; Feminism THE DARKY'S HEAVEN, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O dis worl' am full ob trouble Last Line: It will sho-li take de cake. Subject(s): African Americans; Heaven; Negroes; American Blacks; Paradise THE DAY LADY DIED, by FRANK O'HARA (1926-1966) Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is 12:20 in new york a friday Last Line: Minneapolis, mn, www.Coffeehousepress.Com Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Men; Music & Musicians; Music, Rock; Singing & Singers; Rock & Roll; Songs THE DAY-BREAKERS, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are not come to wage a strife Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE DESCENT OF THE AERONAUT, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A gang of darkies, hoeing corn one day Last Line: "good-mornin', massa jesus, how's yer paw'?" Subject(s): African Americans; Flight; Jesus Christ; Negroes; American Blacks; Flying THE DESERT DISILLUSION, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, ladies who seek for a peek at a sheik Last Line: But don't go away to sahara! Subject(s): African Americans; Sahara Desert; Negroes; American Blacks THE DESERTED PLANTATION, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, de grubbin'-hoe's a-rustin' in de co'nah Last Line: An' calls me to my qua'ters in de sky. Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) THE DIRT-EATERS, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tra / dition Last Line: Of / dirt Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE DOLLAR SPEAKS TO THE YOUNG NEGRO (TO EDITOR I. WILLIS COLE), by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: Sable brother, are you clinging Last Line: Wedding may-time to the years. Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; Negroes; American Blacks THE DREAM SONGS: 68, by JOHN BERRYMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I heard, could be, a hey there from the wing Last Line: Black to the birds instead Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, John, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937); Songs THE ENCHANTED SHELL, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fair, fragile una, golden-haired Last Line: Is it a vision? Who can tell? Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Shells; Conchology THE EVENT, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ever since they'd left the tennessee ridge Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE EXILE, by FORD MADOX FORD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My father had many oxen Last Line: Of hirelings once queen's daughters and slaves the seed of kings. Alternate Author Name(s): Hueffer, Ford Hermann; Hueffer, Ford Madox Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE FARM CHILD'S LULLABY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, the little bird is rocking in the cradle of the wind Last Line: So bye, my little wee one, bye. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE FAVORITE SLAVE'S STORY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well son de story of my life Last Line: She's told her ma you see. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE FORTUNATE SPILL, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well! Johnnie thinks. He has his nerve! Last Line: As they fall for each other, and for me Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; African Americans; Courtship; Luck; Love; Relatives THE FUGITIVE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With bleeding back, from tyrant's lash Last Line: His free, allotted days. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE FUNERAL OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His headstone said / free at last, free at last Last Line: And preached non-violence Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968); Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty THE GLORY TRUMPETER, by DEREK WALCOTT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old eddie's face, wrinkled with river lights Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music & Musicians THE HEART OF A WOMAN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The heart of a woman goes forth with the dawn Last Line: While it breaks, breaks, breaks on the sheltering bars. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women THE HUSBAND'S RETURN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The proud, majestic southern sun Last Line: And lit with joy his way. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States THE IDEA OF ANCESTRY, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Taped to the wall of my cell are 47 pictures: 47 black Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Fathers; Korean War, 1950-1953; Men; Prayer; Prisons & Prisoners; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity; Convicts THE INTERRUPTED REPROOF, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Zella wheeler! Did I evah? Last Line: Mussy sakes! Go bresh yo' ha' Subject(s): African Americans; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks THE INVENTION OF COMICS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a soul in the world: in Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE LAST QUATRAIN OF THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After the murder, / after the burial Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Lynching; Till, Emmett (1941-1955) THE LEAP FROM THE LONG BRIDGE; AN INCIDENT AT WASHINGTON, by SARA JANE CLARKE LIPPINCOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now rest the wretched. The long day is past Last Line: And her sorrow and bondage are o'er. Alternate Author Name(s): Greenwood, Grace Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Escapes; Slavery; Washington, D.c.; Fugitives; Serfs THE LIFE OF LINCOLN WEST, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ugliest little boy Last Line: It comforted him Subject(s): African Americans - Children THE LITTLE BLACK BOY, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE, by WILLIAM BLAKE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother bore me in the southern wild Last Line: And be like him, and he will then love me. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Bible; Brotherhood; Freedom; Mothers; Mythology; Racism; Liberty; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE LIVING, by KEVIN YOUNG Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After independence day / all our toys began to tear Subject(s): Cotton; Farm Life; African Americans - History; Agriculture; Farmers; Black Heritage THE LOST BABY POEM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The time I dropped your almost body down Subject(s): Abortion; African Americans - Women; Death - Children; Death - Babies THE MARTYR OF ALABAMA, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He lifted up his pleading eyes Last Line: In whirlwinds of god's wrath. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Murder; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE MASK, by CLARISSA SCOTT DELANY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: So detached and cool she is Last Line: Was slipped once more in place. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE MEMORY OF MARTHA, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Out in de night a sad bird moans Last Line: W'en dey sees yo' face a-shinin', den dey 'll know. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE MOTHER, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Abortions will not let you forget Last Line: All. Subject(s): Abortion; African Americans; African Americans - Women; Mothers; Negroes; American Blacks THE MULATTO TO HIS CRITICS, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: Ashamed of my race? Last Line: And puts sweet music into my soul. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE MUSE'S FAVOR, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh muse! I crave a favor Last Line: Rings out with the tardy song. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE MUSE'S FAVOR: THE SONG, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, foully slighted ethiope maid! Last Line: That staid this song, I sing to thee. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE NATIVES OF AMERICA, by ANN PLATO Poem Text First Line: Tell me a story, father, please Last Line: "remember this, though I tell no more." Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE NEGRO BOATMAN'S SONG, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "oh, praise and tanks! De lord he come" Last Line: Or death-rune of our doom! Subject(s): African Americans;american Civil War;freedom;slavery;u.s. - History; Negroes;american Blacks;liberty;serfs THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've known rivers Last Line: My soul has grown deep like the rivers. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans - History; Holidays; New Year; Racism; Rivers; Time; Black Heritage; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE NEGRO'S TRAGEDY, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is the negro's tragedy I feel Last Line: The negro laughs and prays to god for light! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE NIGHT THAT LORCA COMES, by BOB KAUFMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The white south shall gather / at preservation hall Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.); Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE OCTOROON, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One drop of midnight in the dawn of life's pulsating stream Last Line: Whose every breath is kindliness, whose hearts are purest gold. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE OL' TUNES, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: You kin talk about your anthems Last Line: In the ol'-fashioned way. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Holidays; Thanksgiving THE OLD FREEDMAN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He sits in front of the bright, blazing grate Last Line: He had taken his fight, to his home on high. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE OLD MAMMY, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hush, lil baby, en go ter sleep Last Line: Er heap sight mo' dan his mudder do! Subject(s): African Americans; Babies; Mothers; Sleep; Negroes; American Blacks; Infants THE OLD PLANTATION, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O I'm sick an' tired an' lonely Last Line: Kiss 'em good-night now foreveran' then lay me down to sleep. Subject(s): African Americans; Plantation Life; Slavery; Tennessee; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE OLD REPAIR MAN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: God is the old repair man Last Line: It is good we have the old repair man. Subject(s): African Americans; God; Negroes; American Blacks THE PASSAGE, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Got up / this morning at 2:45, breakfast at 3:30 Subject(s): African Americans - Military THE PLANTATION CHILD'S LULLABY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wintah time hit comin' Last Line: Ef de win' do blow? Subject(s): African Americans - Children THE POLISHERS OF BRASS, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am thinking of the men who polish brass in georgetown Last Line: Started, it has already tarnished, and they must begin again Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE POSTCARD AT VERTIGO BOOKS IN D. C., SELS, by REETIKA VAZIRANI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the photo of billie holiday at the 1957 newport jazz festival Last Line: Look for it and it’s not there Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Famous People; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Photography & Photographers; Singing & Singers THE PREACHER: RUMINATES BEHIND THE SERMON, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think it must be lonely to be god Last Line: In solitude. Without a hand to hold. Subject(s): African Americans; God; Negroes; American Blacks THE PROGRESS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And still we wear our uniforms, follow Last Line: Of iron feet again. And again wild Variant Title(s): Gay Chaps At The Bar;the Progress Subject(s): African Americans - Military THE QUADROON GIRL, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The slaver in the broad lagoon Last Line: In a strange and distant land! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery; Serfs THE REACTIONARY POET, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you are a revolutionary Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE REASON WHY, by GEORGE CLINTON ROWE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It is the eve of battle Last Line: To god the reason why. Subject(s): African Americans - Military THE RIVALS, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look heah! Is I evah tole you 'bout de curious / way I won Last Line: "folks, heaben knows!" Subject(s): African Americans; Courtship; Hearts; Love; Single People; Negroes; American Blacks; Bachelors; Unmarried People THE ROAD, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah, little road all whirry in the breeze Last Line: Rise to one brimming golden, spilling cry! Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE SAND-MAN, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I know a man Last Line: We know the sand-man's come. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SCARLET WOMAN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once I was good like the virgin mary and the minister's wife Last Line: Gin is better than all the water in lethe. Subject(s): African Americans; Prostitution; Negroes; American Blacks; Harlots; Whores; Brothels THE SECOND SERMON ON THE WARPLAND, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the urgency: live! Last Line: Conduct your blooming in the noise and whip of the whirlwind. Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE SERMON ON THE WARPLAND, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And several strengths from drowsiness campaigned Last Line: "complete; continuous." Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SLAVE MOTHER, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heard you that shriek? It rose Last Line: Oh, father! Must they part? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Americans; Slavery; United States; Serfs; America THE SOLDIERS OF THE DUSK, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Black men holding up the earth Last Line: Victims of the war god's lust. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; World War I; First World War THE SONG OF THE SMOKE, by WILLIAM EDWARD BURGHARDT DU BOIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am the smoke king Last Line: I am black. Alternate Author Name(s): Du Bois, W. E. B. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SOUTHERN REFUGEE, by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What sudden ill the world await Last Line: The place of beauty -- my native home. Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) THE SOUTHERN ROAD, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There the black river, boundary to hell Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Underground Railroad; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE SPARROW, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A little bird with plumage brown Last Line: Nor know our loss till they are gone. Subject(s): African Americans; Sparrows; Negroes; American Blacks THE SPIRIT VOICE; OR, LIBERTY CALL TO THE DISENFRANCHISED, by CHARLES L. REASON Poem Text First Line: Come! Rouse ye brothers, rouse! A peal now breaks Last Line: From partial bondage to a life indeed. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803); Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty THE SPRING CRICKET CONSIDERS THE QUESTION OF NEGRITUDE, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I was playing my tunes all by mysel Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SUN DO MOVE', by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Who wouldn't believe Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SUNDAYS OF SATIN-LEGS SMITH, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Inamoratas, with an approbation Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks THE SUPPLIANT, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Long have I beat with timid hands upon life's leaden door Last Line: The strong demand, contend, prevail; the beggar is a fool! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks THE THINGS IN BLACK MEN?ÇÖS CLOSETS, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the top shelf Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Clothing & Dress; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The THE THIRD SERMON ON THE WARPLAND, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The earth is a beautiful place Last Line: You could make music too / the blackblues Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Phoenix (mythical Bird) THE THIRTY-EIGHTH YEAR, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I had not expected to be an ordinary woman Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Mothers & Daughters; Middle Age THE TRAVELLER AT THE SOURCE OF THE NILE, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In sunset's light, o'er afric thrown Last Line: Thine own sweet paths in search of thee! Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Africa; African Americans - History; Nile (river); Travel; Black Heritage; Journeys; Trips THE TRUE AMERICAN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: America, here is your son, born of your iron heel Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks THE TURNCOAT, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An' so ole tho'nton bounced you Last Line: Lizie, tek dis boy away! Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE TURNING OF THE BABIES IN THE BED, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Woman's sho' a cur'ous critter, an' dey ain't no doubtin' dat Last Line: T will be lizy up a-tu'nin' of de chillun in de bed. Subject(s): African Americans - Children THE VOICE OF ARETHA FRANKLIN SURPRISES ME, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In riyadh the wind blows the last prayer Variant Title(s): The Voice Of Aretha Franklin Surprised Me Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Franklin, Aretha (b. 1942); Riyadh, Saudi Arabia THE WAY IT WAS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walked out quietly Last Line: Trying to be white Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Identity THE WEARY BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Droning a drowsy syncopated tune Last Line: He slept like a rock or a man that's dead. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks THE WHITE CHRISTS, by GUY FITCH PHELPS Poem Text First Line: The white christs come from the east Last Line: Till the black christs shall be born. Subject(s): African Americans; Jesus Christ; War; Negroes; American Blacks THE WHITE CITY, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will not toy with it nor bend an inch Last Line: Are sweet like wanton loves because I hate. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Hate; Men; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE WHITE HOUSE, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your door is shut against my tightened face Last Line: Against the potent poison of your hate. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Hate; Negroes; American Blacks THE WIDOW'S JAZZ, by MINA LOY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The white flesh quakes to the negro soul Alternate Author Name(s): Cravan, Arthur, Mrs.; Lowy, Mina Gertrude; Haweis, Stephen, Mrs. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Chicago; Jazz; Music & Musicians THE WOMAN THING, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hunters are back from beating the winter's face Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women THE WOMEN YOU ARE ACCUSTOMED TO, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The edge / of this Last Line: Your burning blood, your dancing tongue Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Negroes; American Blacks THE WORLD IS A MIGHTY OGRE, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I could love her with a love so warm Last Line: Have mercy on a humble bard, o lord! Subject(s): African Americans; Longing; Negroes; American Blacks THE WORLD IS FULL OF REMARKABLE THINGS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Quick night / easy warmth Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks THE YEAR OF JUBILEE, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "say, darkeys, hab you seen de massa" Last Line: "it mus' be now de kingdum cumin', / an' de yar ob jubilo" Subject(s): African Americans - Military;american Civil War;u.s. - History;war THE YEAR OF JUBILEE, by HENRY CLAY WORK Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Say, darkeys, hab you seen de massa Last Line: An' de yar ob jubilo. Variant Title(s): Year Of Jubilo;kingdom Coming Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Richmond Campaign (1864); United States - History THEFT, by ESTHER POPEL Poem Source First Line: The moon %was an old, old woman tonight Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women THEME FOR ENGLISH B, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The instructor said / go home and write Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Schools; Negroes; American Blacks; Students THEME FOR ENGLISH B, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The instructor said %go home and write Last Line: Although you're older and white %and somewhat more free %this is my page for english b Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Schools THERE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where death %stretches its wide horizons Last Line: Even perhaps %divinity Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THERE IS A GIRL INSIDE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And the woods will be wild %with the damn wonder of it Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Girls; Innocence THERE IS A WOMAN IN THIS TOWN, by PATRICIA PARKER Poem Source Last Line: It lives for those who once upon a time had a dream Alternate Author Name(s): Parker, Pat Subject(s): African American Lesbians; African Americans - Women; Homosexuality THERE'LL BE SOME CHANGES MADE, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: My walk will be different : my talk and my name Last Line: Why I'm thinking about changing : the way I got to strut my stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THERE'S ALWAYS WEATHER, WEATHER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Weather is so much fun! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THEY AINT WALKING NO MORE, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Sometimes I'm up : sometimes I'm down Last Line: And if you think I'm lying : follow me to the door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THEY CLAPPED, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They clapped when we landed Last Line: Dream they saw a free future Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE ME, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Hootie's band blows Last Line: Seemed to take a week Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) THEY STEAL' GOSSIP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Some folks say dat a nigger won't steal Last Line: An' dey had to leave de land Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs THINGS TO COME, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Basie and lester's Last Line: He damn well pleases Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) THINK YOU NEED A SHOT, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: You got bad blood mama : I believe you need a shot Last Line: I don't want to waste none of it mama : I want you to have it all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THIRD ALLEY BLUES, by IVY SMITH Poem Source First Line: I just want to get back : to birmingham Last Line: Because these women in third alley : won't let my rider alone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THIRD DEGREE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hit me! Jab me! %make me say I did it Last Line: When you trow %cold water on me, %I'll sign the %paper Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THIRD SERMON ON THE WARPLAND, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The earth is a beautiful place Last Line: The dust, as they say, settled Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians THIRD STREET WOMAN BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE REYNOLDS Poem Source First Line: Mmm : come my third street woman now Last Line: If you can't do my rolling mama : you can't spend my change Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THIRTY-EIGHT AND PLUS, by WALTER TAYLOR ANDERSON Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning: about half past four Last Line: One said no: and the other said yes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Middle Age THIRTY-EIGHTH YEAR, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I had expected more than this. %I had not expected to be %anordinary woman Subject(s): Absence; African Americans - Women; Aging; Mothers And Daughters THIS CHILD IS THE MOTHER, by GLORIA CATHERINE ODEN Poem Source First Line: Black is; slavery was; I am Last Line: The fierce physics of %that soothing fountain %outpouring %from her side Subject(s): African Americans - Women THIS IS A FATHERLAND TO ME, by JOSEPH CEPHAS HOLLY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh! Tell me not of fatherland Last Line: We may abide if anywhere. Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America THIS IS ALWAYS, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Tell me prof put 'is foot in 'is butt Last Line: S that damned habit %still Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) THIS IS THE END, by JEAN DE BOSSCHERE Poem Text First Line: Open the divine comedy Last Line: Still stick to his fingers. ... Subject(s): African Americans; Children; Comedy; Laughter; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Childhood; Serfs THIS MORNIN' SHE WAS GONE, by JIM JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear Last Line: The more you do for people : the less they think of you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THIS MORNING, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Survive %survive Subject(s): African Americans - Children THIS NEWER BONDAGE, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: What, was it all for naught, those awful years Last Line: Nay, not for this, a nation's heroes bled, %and north and south with tears beheld their death Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest THIS OLE WORL' AIN'T GOIN' TO STAN' MUCH LONGER, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs THIS PUZZLES ME, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They think we're simple children Last Line: When you see the world today Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THIS SUN IS HOT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dis sun are hot Last Line: I thinks I mus' 'a' been called to preach Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs THIS WARRIOR, by PAULETTE CHILDRESS WHITE Poem Source First Line: This warrior sits %in an overstuffed chair Last Line: And our condescending love %has endured Subject(s): African Americans THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The regiment has waited long Last Line: Who would hold the colonel? Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Higginson, Thomas Wentworth (1823-1911); U.s. - History THORN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now there will be nobody, you say Last Line: To start the turning Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THOSE ALL NIGHT LONG BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I have ???Ed : for many a week Last Line: And I suffer : with those all night blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THOSE BOYS THAT RAN TOGETHER, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Don't it make you want to cry Subject(s): African Americans – Children; Boys; Conduct Of Life THOSE BOYS THAT RAN TOGETHER, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: We have some fine black boys %don't it make you want to cry? Subject(s): African Americans - Children THOSE DOGS OF MINE, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Oh lord : these dogs of mine Last Line: I can't wear me : no *dark-toes* shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THOTS OF COLTRANE (WHILE LISTENING TO AFRICA), by KENYETTE ADRINE-ROBINSON Poem Source First Line: John coltrane %traveled many Last Line: Left us %his life! Subject(s): African Americans; Coltrane, John (1926-1967) THOUSAND WOMEN BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I ain't never loved : but a thousand women in my life Last Line: Every time I kiss her : and a cold chill run over me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THREE BALL BLUES, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: I was walking around the streets : hear somebody call me and I can't stop Last Line: Says it's two to one buddy : you don't get your things back out of here at all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THREE MEN IN A TENT, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My one blood-uncle laughs Last Line: One of us %to four %of them. %I sure missed %my old buddies.%I even missed %ol'corbon Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life THREE MODES OF HISTORY AND CULTURE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chalk mark sex of the nation, on walls we drummers Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THREE MODES OF HISTORY AND CULTURE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chalk mark sex of the nation, on walls we drummers Last Line: And my songs will be softer %and lightly weight the air Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans THREE PHOTOGRAPHERS: 3. WASH WOMEN, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The eyes of eight women / I don't know Variant Title(s): Three Photographs Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping THREE PHOTOGRAPHERS: 3. WASH WOMEN, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The eyes of eight women %I don't know Last Line: Their ready gaze through him, %to me, straight ahead Variant Title(s): Three Photograph Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: 1. DAYBOOK, APRIL 1901, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What luck to find them here! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: 1. DAYBOOK, APRIL 1901, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What luck to find them here! Last Line: Too full with new graves %and no flowers Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: 2. CABBAGE VENDOR, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Natural, he say. / what he want from me? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: 2. CABBAGE VENDOR, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Natural, he say. %what he want from me? Last Line: Like he be seeing me- %distant and small-forever Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping THREE SONGS ABOUT LYNCHING: FLIGHT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Plant your toes in the cool swamp mud Last Line: Or they'll swing you to a tree Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THREE SONGS ABOUT LYNCHING: LYNCHING SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pull at the rope! O! Last Line: The nigger's %still body %says %not I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans THREE WOMEN BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Got three womens : yellow brown and black Last Line: I'd a-been home sleeping : in a doggone feather bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THRIFTY SLAVE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jes wuk all day Last Line: Big pig, liddle pig, root hot or die Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs THROUGH TRAIN BLUES, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: I hate to hear : that through train blow boo hoo Last Line: Ain't going to stay around here : and be no stumbling block Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THROW ME IN THE ALLEY, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: *when I get low* : let's go down in the alley Last Line: The way you treat me little mama : you don't mean me no good nohow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THROWIN' SAN' ON ME (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Car' de news! Car'd de news to mary! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs THROWN ME DOWN, by SKIP JAMES Poem Source First Line: Hey you throw me down : and you threw me from my home Last Line: Ain't going to wear it no more : till these old blues stop worrying me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THUNDERSTORM BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Hear the thunder rumbling : see the lightning flash Last Line: I'll start in praying : till the storm is through Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) THURSDAY EVENING BEDTIME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Afraid of the dark / is afraid of mom Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives THURSDAY EVENING BEDTIME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Afraid of the dark %is afraid of mom Last Line: Says ebony %everett %anderson Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life THWARTED, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Down in the cabin all things were gay Last Line: "good bye uncle sam,"" comes with a foiled grin." Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks TICKET AGENT BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Good lord good lord : send me an angel down Last Line: When I walk out the front door : I hear that back door slam Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TICKET AGENT EASE YOUR WINDOW DOWN, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Ticket agent : ease your window down Last Line: Because you can get a crooked daddy : most anywhere Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIGHT HAIRED MAMA BLUES, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Here come my tight-haired woman : I can tell by the way she walks Last Line: Baby now you got good hair : but you bought bought this from the jew Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIGHT TIME BLUES, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Times is done got so tight : so I'm going to rob and steal Last Line: And when I start to stealing : I'm going to pick the rounders clean Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIME IS DRAWING NEAR, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now it used to be the time : be getting two bucks a day Last Line: But now we go : to buy one another's clothes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIME THE HANGMAN, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poor old abner, poor old white-haired nigger Last Line: Are on your knees, and you are silent and broken. Subject(s): African Americans; Old Age; Negroes; American Blacks TIME'S UNFADING GARDEN, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: God never planted a garden' Last Line: Nor take the morning air Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Alphabet Verse TIN CUP BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I was down and I cried : *my pillowcase was on the line* Last Line: That tough luck has sunk me : and the rats is creeping in my hat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIN ROOF BLUES, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm goin' where de southern crosses top de c. & o Last Line: I'm goin' where de shingles covers people mo' my kind Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States TIRED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am so tired of waiting Last Line: And see what worms are eating %at the rind Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TIRED, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am tired of work; I am tired of building up somebody else's civilization Last Line: I am tired of civilization. Subject(s): African Americans; Civilization; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks TIRED AS I CAN BE, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: I worked all the winter : and I worked all the fall Last Line: And I'm going back south : to my used-to-be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIRED OF RUNNIN' FROM DOOR TO DOOR, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: I'm getting so tired of runnin from town to town Last Line: Says I'm getting so tired : of running from door to door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIRED OF YOU DRIVING ME, by BEN RAMEY Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : the crying blues on my mind Last Line: Because I done got tired of you driving me : ???Ing me all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TIRED POEM: .. UNEMPLOYED BLACK PROFESSIONAL WOMAN, by KATE RUSHIN Poem Source First Line: So it's a gorgeous afternoon in the park Last Line: And then it is very quiet Alternate Author Name(s): Rushin, Donna Kate Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights TISHAMINGO BLUES, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tishamingo : because I'm sad today Last Line: I love my brownskin : don't care where she be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TITANIC BLUES, by HI HENRY BROWN Poem Source First Line: Early one morning : just about four o'clock Last Line: And the band all playing : nearer my god to thee Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music); Disasters; Ships And Shipping; Shipwrecks; Titanic (ship) TITTY BOAT, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: My aunt Last Line: Its black holds Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Aunts TO A BROWN BOY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I love you for the puzzled way you smile Last Line: A bridge whose span includes eternity Subject(s): African Americans - Children TO A DARK DANCER, by MARJORIE MARSHALL Poem Source First Line: Within the shadow of the moon you danced Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TO A DARK GIRL, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I love you for your brownness Last Line: And let your full lips laugh at fate! Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO A DARK MOSES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are the one Subject(s): African Americans; Moses; Negroes; American Blacks TO A DARK MOSES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are the one Last Line: I am burning %I am not consumed Subject(s): African Americans; Moses TO A DEAD FRIEND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The moon still sends its mellow light Last Line: Happiness comes no more to me, %for you are dead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO A GONE ERA (MY COLLEGE DAYS - CLASS OF '73), by IRMA MCCLAURIN Poem Source First Line: The eye of this storm is not quiet Last Line: Their sorrow sings through the cracked tenement walls Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO A HUSBAND, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your voice at times a fist Last Line: I sit at home and see it all / through you Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Love - Marital; Negroes; American Blacks; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love TO A HUSBAND, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your voice at times a fist Last Line: I sit home and see it all %through you Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Love - Marital TO A LITTLE COLORED BOY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, pure and sportive little child Last Line: In me you have a friend. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Racial Equality TO A LITTLE LOVER-LASS, DEAD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She %who searched for lovers Last Line: And gives her kiss to nothingness. %would god his lips were sweet Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO A YOUNG WIFE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was a fool to dream that you Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks TO A YOUNG WIFE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was a fool to dream that you Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TO AMY, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Once on a time there was a girl Last Line: Just like the monkeys in the zoo. Subject(s): African Americans; Children; Girls; Negroes; American Blacks; Childhood TO AN ICICLE, by BLANCHE TAYLOR DICKINSON Poem Source First Line: Chilled into a serenity Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TO AN OLD BLACK WOMAN, HOMELESS AND INDISTINCT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your every day is a pilgrimage Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Homeless; Women – Old Age TO AN OLD BLACK WOMAN, HOMELESS AND INDISTINCT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your every day is a pilgrimage Last Line: Folks used to say 'that child is going far' Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Homeless TO ANITA, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: High/yellow/black/girl Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO ARTINA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will take your heart Last Line: I will take your soul %I will be god when it comes to you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO BE SOMEBODY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little girl %dreaming of a baby grand piano Last Line: There's always room %they say, %at the top Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO BEAUTY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To worship %at the altar of beauty Last Line: Plucked from another's %vine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO BOBBY SEALE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Feel free Last Line: Was made for / men Subject(s): African Americans; Seale, Bobby (b. 1936); Negroes; American Blacks TO BOBBY SEALE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Feel free Last Line: Jail wasn't made %for dogs, %was made for %men Subject(s): African Americans; Seale, Bobby (b. 1936) TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Beside our way the streams are dried Last Line: And lead us to the promised land! Subject(s): African Americans - History; Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915); Black Heritage TO CAPTAIN MULZAC, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dangerous %are the western waters now Last Line: Freedom, %brotherhood %democracy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO CERTAIN BROTHERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You sicken me with lies Last Line: And wild hyenas howling %in your soul's waste lands Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO CERTAIN INTELLECTUALS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are no friend of mine Last Line: Have told me so, -- %no friend of mine Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO CERTAIN NEGRO LEADERS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Voices crying in the wilderness Last Line: And do not cry %too loud Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO CLARISSA SCOTT DELANY, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She has not found herself a hard pillow Last Line: She is only unseen, unseen? Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TO DARNELL AND JOHNNY, by MELBA JOYCE BOYD Poem Source First Line: I will always remember Last Line: In the spirit of the new world %you helped to build Subject(s): African Americans TO DOROTHY MAYNOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As though her lips Last Line: Is blessed %with peace Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO E.J.J., by ETHEL M. CAUTION Poem Source First Line: Sparkling eyes of diamond jet Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TO HORACE BUMSTEAD, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Have you been sore discouraged in the fight Last Line: You shall not, no, you shall not, fight alone. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Bumstead, Horace (1841-1919); Human Rights; Justice TO JOAN, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Joan %did you never hear Last Line: Did you not then sigh %my voices my voices of course? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women TO KEEP THE MEMORY OF CHARLOTTE FORTEN GRIMKE - 1915, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Still are there wonders of the dark and day Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights TO KYASA, LITTLE BROTHER, by ANEB KGOSITSILE Poem Source First Line: Sometimes we can find Last Line: For this dance of faith, we thank them, %and walk with new confidence Subject(s): African Americans TO LANGSTON, by REGINA B. JENNINGS Poem Source First Line: I plunged into the rivers of your mind Last Line: And lulled me until I swayed to sleep Subject(s): African Americans; Hughes, Langston (1902-1967) TO MAKE WORDS SING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Words last so long Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO MALCOLM X, by JULIUS E. THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: He knew someone Last Line: That all men %are really brothers Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) TO MALCOLM X ON HIS SECOND COMING, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Malcolm x, alias el hajj malik el shabazz Last Line: Teach, master, teach. Wa alaikum salaam Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) TO MIDNIGHT NAN AT LEROY'S, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Strut and wiggle Last Line: Wouldn't no good fellow %be your man t Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO MY FATHER, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A leaf from freedom's golden chaplet fair Last Line: Divine approval is thy sweetest praise. Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO P.J. (2 YRS OLD WHO SED WRITE A POEM FOR ME IN PORTLAND, OREGON), by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I cud ever write a Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry & Poets; Negroes; American Blacks TO P.J. (2 YRS OLD WHO SED WRITE A POEM FOR ME IN PORTLAND, OREGON), by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I cud ever write a Last Line: Poetry wud go out of bizness Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry And Poets TO S.M., A YOUNG AFRICAN PAINTER, ON SEEING HIS WORKS, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: To show the lab'ring bosom's deep intent Last Line: Now seals the fair creation from my sight. Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Love - Loss Of; Moorhead, Scipio (18th Century); Mortality; Paintings & Painters TO SOULFOLK, by MARGARET GOSS BURROUGHS Poem Source First Line: Soulfolk, think a minute Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO THE BLACK AMERICAN TROOPS, by LEOPOLD SEDAR SENGHOR Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I did not recognize you in your prison of sad-colored uniforms Last Line: Oh, the delight of life after winter. I hail you %as messengers of peace Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Negritude (literary Movement) TO THE BLACK MAN, by CHERLYN LYNN PASTOR Poem Source First Line: I am not %your enemy Last Line: Don't you remember? African americans - women Subject(s): African Americans TO THE DARK MERCEDES OF 'EL PALACIO DE AMOUR', by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mercedes is a jungle-lily in a death house Last Line: Go where they will pay you well %for your loveliness Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO THE DIASPORA: YOU DID NOT KNOW YOU WERE AFRIKA, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you set out for afrika Last Line: Your work, that was done, to be done to be done to be done Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity TO THE DIASPORA: YOU DID NOT KNOW YOU WERE AFRIKA, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you set out for afrika Last Line: Your work, that was done, to be done to be done to be done Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors And Ancestry TO THE FAUST NEGRO TO SELL HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL FOR THAT, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh americans who have overcome Last Line: In order for the rest of us %to live Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans TO THE LITTLE FORT OF SAN LAZARO ON THE OCEAN FRONT, HAVANA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Watch tower once for pirates Last Line: Stone by helpless stone Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TO THE MEMORY OF J. HORACE KIMBALL, by SARAH LOUISA FORTEN Poem Source First Line: Another youthful advocate of truth and right has gone Last Line: When slavery's galling chains are loosed, and all the oppressed are free Alternate Author Name(s): Ada Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO THE WHITE FIENDS, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Think you I am not fiend and savage too? Last Line: To show thy little lamp: go forth, go forth! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry TO THOSE OF MY SISTERS WHO KEPT THEIR NATURALS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sisters! I love you Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Conformity; Pride; Self-esteem; Self-respect TO THOSE OF MY SISTERS WHO KEPT THEIR NATURALS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sisters! I love you Last Line: The natural respect of self and seal! %sisters! %your hair is celebration in the world! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Conformity; Pride TO TURN FROM LOVE, by SARAH WEBSTER FABIO Poem Source First Line: No, %I cannot %turn from love Last Line: On a fresh made %bed Subject(s): African Americans - Women TO USWARD, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let us be still %as ginger jars are still Last Line: For there is joy in long dried tears %for whetted passions of a throng Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TO WHITTIER, by JOSEPHINE DEPHINE HENDERSON HEARD Poem Text First Line: In childhood's sunny day my heart was taught to love Last Line: With condescension write for me thy name. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Whittier, John Greenleaf (1807-1892) TO WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON ON READING HIS 'CHOSEN QUEEN', by CHARLOTTE L. FORTEN GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A loyal subject, thou, to that bright queen Last Line: Than thee, thy chosen queen shall never find %a truer subject nor a firmer friend Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879) TO WIN A YELLOW GIRL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: If you wants to win a yaller girl Last Line: An' slip on his long-tailed blue Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TO YOU, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To sit and ream, to sit and read Last Line: I reach out my hands to you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TOBACCO WAREHOUSE BLUES, by JR. HOUSTON A. BAKER Poem Source First Line: The bluesman in pungent mood Last Line: A freight-train rider -- a mean primer and curer %of men Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians TOBY'S REPLY, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O toby was a darky who could pick the banjo fine Last Line: "wait on de students, massa."" he promptly made reply." Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Universities & Colleges; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers TODAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is earthquake Last Line: Walk lean %together Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Homosexuality TOM CAT, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: My father has a big tom cat Last Line: And he stuck it in the middle Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TOM CAT BLUES, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: It was late last night : I tried so hard to sleep Last Line: For you will lose your nine lives : if you don't let my baby alone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOM RUSHEN BLUES, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: I lay down last night : hoping I would have my peace Last Line: Ah he brought me here : and I was drunk as I could be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOMORROW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tomorrow may be %a thousand years off Last Line: Others take a quarter straight. %some dawns %wait Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TOMORROW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We have tomorrow %bright before us Last Line: Broad arch above the road we came. %we march! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Yout Subject(s): African Americans; Justice TOMORROW'S SEED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Proud banner of death Last Line: For freedom's birth Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) TONGUE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Got a tongue dat jes run when it walk? Last Line: It cain't squawk Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TONGUE-TIED IN BLACK AND WHITE, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In los angeles / while the mountains cleared of smog Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks TONGUE-TIED IN BLACK AND WHITE, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In los angeles %while the mountains cleared of smog Last Line: On the outskirts of your tongue, tied still Subject(s): African Americans TOO BLACK BAD, by MADLYN DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I'd rather be in the *cripty* river : floating like a log Last Line: You ought to see : them preachers run Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOO BLUE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I got those sad old weary blues Last Line: And I'm too blue %to look for one Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TOO MUCH WATERMELON (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dere wus a great big watermillion growin' on de vine Last Line: An' den, - - dat great big watermillion up an' finish him Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TOO TIGHT, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Grab your gal : fall in line Last Line: Too tight : to shake that thing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOO TIGHT BLUES, by PEG LEG HOWELL Poem Source First Line: Grab your gal : fall in line Last Line: Too tight : it make us afraid Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOO TIGHT BLUES NO. 2, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Got my gal : took a chance Last Line: Too tight : went to my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOOTIN' OUT BLUES, by UNKNOWN+213 Poem Source First Line: You used to be my sugar : but you ain't sweet no more Last Line: And then the blind man told her : said you sure look good tome Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TORCH SONGS, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would speak of that grief Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Grief; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Love; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937); Sorrow; Sadness TORCH SONGS, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would speak of that grief Last Line: Of someone you might always love Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Grief; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Love; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) TOTAL WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The reason dixie %is so mean today Last Line: To be another pain Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TOTEM, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: How he tried to steal my words Last Line: A foaming stripped tiger becomes my totem Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Fights; Love - Complaints; Man-woman Relationships TOUCH ME LIGHT MAMA, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Touch me light pretty mama : this may be your last Last Line: Because my good gal done me : sure you can't feel no peace Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOUCHE, by JESSIE REDMOND FAUSET Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear, when we sit in that high, placid room Last Line: I knew a lad in my own girlhood's past - %blue eyes he had and such waving gold hair! Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TOUGH LUCK, by ROBERT LEE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Now got in tough luck : all my people dead and gone Last Line: Because you treats me mean : you know you done me wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TOUR 5, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The road winds down through autumn hills Last Line: Metallic, flayed; its brightness harsh as bloodstained swords Subject(s): African Americans TOWER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Death is a tower Last Line: That never ends Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TOWN AND COUNTRY BIRD (NURSERY RHYME) (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jaybird a-swinin' a two hoss plow Last Line: Dat suits fer country-jakes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TOWN OF SCOTTSBORO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Scottsboro's just a little place Last Line: Its people's heart, too small to hold a sob Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TRAIN FARE BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Mama all that I want : lord is just my train fare home Last Line: Lord and they sure did treat me mean : because they taking my babe away from here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRAINING THE BOY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en I was a liddle boy Last Line: Dey 'spects me to act wise Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TRAVELIN' BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Mr engineer : let a [poor] man ride the blind Last Line: I love you emerald : tell the world I do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRAVELIN' THIS LONESOME ROAD, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: I am traveling this lonesome road : if I never get back no more Last Line: I will pack my suitcase : while I hunt from town to town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRAVELING MAMA BLUES, by JOE CALICOTT Poem Source First Line: Well a short-legged mama : trying to carry your daddy by Last Line: Said *nothing funny* :in a state about you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRAVELING RIVERSIDE BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: If your man gets personal : want to have your fun Last Line: We can still barrelhouse baby : because it's on the riverside Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TREE FROGS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule Last Line: Buska! Buskra-reel! Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TREES AT NIGHT, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Slim sentinels %stretching lacy arms Last Line: The trembling beauty %of an urgent pine Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TRELLIE, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source First Line: From the old slave shack I chose my lady Last Line: Ten thousand children will redwood from my genes %to mount the earth in my black people's time! Subject(s): African Americans TRIBUTE TO ROBERT HAYDEN, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For this man Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Hayden, Robert (1913-1980) TRIBUTE TO THE JAZZ WOMEN, by TOYOMI IGUS Poem Source First Line: I see the rhythm of the jazz women Last Line: I see the essence of jazz Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music TRIBUTE: TO THE SWEET BARD OF THE WOMAN'S CLUB, ALICE RUTH MOORE, by ELOISE BIBB THOMPSON Poem Text First Line: I peer adown a shining group Last Line: So graceful, sweet, and terse. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Dunbar-nelson, Alice Ruth Nelson TRICKS AIN'T WORKING NO MORE, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: Times is done got hard : money's done got scarce Last Line: And I've got to change my luck : if I have to move next door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRINITY RIVER BLUES, by AARON T-BONE WALKER Poem Source First Line: That dirty trinity river : sure have done me wrong Last Line: *if it wasn't for* ??? Baby : honey it won't rise to more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRIP: SAN FRANCISCO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to san francisco Last Line: Like cobwebs in the sky Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TRIPART, by GAYL JONES Poem Source First Line: A very friendly %prison Last Line: In a restaurant %dealing with humanity Subject(s): African Americans - Women TRIXIE BLUES, by ANNA JONES Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : blues all around my bed Last Line: He'll be hugging and kissing you : and quit you all the time Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROMBONE CHOLLY, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: If gabriel knowed : how you could blow Last Line: A-doing the charleston : while you blow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROUBLE BLUES--PART 1, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: When trouble starts : it stops at my front door Last Line: Come and got my regular : then took my used-to-be Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROUBLE BLUES--PART 2, by FRANCIS SCRAPPER BLACKWELL Poem Source First Line: I can get my money : but trouble won't let it stay Last Line: Nobody knows : but the good lord and me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROUBLE IN MIND, by RICHARD M. JONES Poem Source First Line: Trouble in mind, I'm blue Last Line: I'm laughin' just to keep from cryin' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROUBLE-HEARTED BLUES (1), by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Down so long : down don't worry me Last Line: If I don't get no better mama : believe I'm going I'm going Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROUBLE-HEARTED BLUES (2), by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: I've been down so long : down don't worry me Last Line: Tell them you don't know the writer : he'd rather had his happy song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TROUBLED WATER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Between us, always, loved one Last Line: This sea of troubled water Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TROUBLED WOMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She stands %in the quiet darkness Last Line: That never lifts its head %again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TRUCKIN' THRU' TRAFFIC, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: Listen here man : don't talk about me Last Line: Taken my money : and then throwed me down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRUE AMERICAN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: America, here is your son, born of your iron heel Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women TRUE BLUE WOMAN, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I know my babe : is bound to think of me Last Line: Then again you know I know my babe : ooo well now is bound to think of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRUE IMPORT OF PRESENT DIALOGUE, BLACK VS. NEGRO, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nigger Last Line: Learn to kill niggers %learn to be black men Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans TRUE LOVE BLUES, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Love means putting others first Last Line: Proves you still ain't figured that out Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Love - Complaints TRUMPET PLAYER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The negro / with the trumpet at his lips Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks TRUMPET PLAYER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The negro %with the trumpet at his lips Last Line: As the tune comes from his trhoat %trouble %mellows to a golden note Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music; Music And Musicians TRUST NO MAN, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: I want all you women : to listen to me Last Line: Come out in the summer : you'll find your pig will be gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TRY ME ONE MORE TIME, by MARSHALL OWENS Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : get my shoes Last Line: You got to live in your place : ??? You Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TUBA BLAY OR AN EVENING SONG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh please, tuba blay Last Line: Tuba sing, tuba sing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TURKEY BUZZARD, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Turkey, buzzard, turkey buzzard, your child is lost Last Line: That is all right, we will increase in number Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TURKEY FUNERAL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dis tucky once on earth did dwell Last Line: An' he struts in tucky peace Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TURPENTINE BLUES, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Going home in the morning : woman and I sure can't carry you Last Line: Take you a mouthful of sugar : boy and drink a bottle of turpentine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TURTLE'S SONG (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Mud turtle setin' on de end of a log Last Line: But you'd oughter git a liddle mo' pull in de head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TUSKEGEE, by LESLIE PINCKNEY HILL Poem Text First Line: Wherefore this busy labor without rest? Last Line: The south will wear eternally a stain. Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Tuskegee Institute; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) TUSKEGEE AIRFIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These men Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Relatives TUSKEGEE AIRFIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These men Last Line: The instructor grinned. %boy, if your ass %is as hard as your head, %you'll go far in this world Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life TUSKEGEE EXPERIMENT, by SADIQ Poem Source First Line: While sidney bechet was Last Line: No treatment! No treatment! Subject(s): African Americans; Bechet, Sidney Joseph (1897-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians TUXEDO BLUES, by UNKNOWN+205 Poem Source First Line: I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my rice Last Line: When you love your daddy : give me your right hand Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWELVE POUND DADDY, by PEARL DICKSON Poem Source First Line: Mmm : hey hey hey hey Last Line: If you are *loving* me : I don't want no partnership man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWELVES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Says I want everybody: fall in line Last Line: You know by that: the big boy's coughing in hell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWENTY-SIX WAYS OF LOOKING AT A BLACKMAN, by RAYMOND RICHARD PATTERSON Poem Source First Line: On the road we met a blackman Last Line: Even this laughter, even your tears Alternate Author Name(s): Patterson, Ray Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse TWO FACED WOMAN, by CURLEY WEAVER Poem Source First Line: Two-faced woman : trying to see her two days at one time Last Line: I done spend all my money : now tell me you don't want me no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWO LITTLE TOMMIES BLUES, by PAPA HARVEY HULL Poem Source First Line: Got two little tommies : can't hardly tell them apart Last Line: Can you tell me : how far jackson to back home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWO OF A KIND, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Woman you been having your way : and you don't want to see me have mine Last Line: I'll talk baby-talk to you : if you'll talk baby-talk to me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWO SICK NEGRO BOYS (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Two liddle niggers sick in bed Last Line: He almos' cut dat pigeon's wing Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs TWO SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT EPIGRAMS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, god of dust and raibows, help us see Last Line: And god, who sometimes spits right in its face Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TWO STRING BLUES, by LITTLE HAT JONES Poem Source First Line: I said listen baby : honey I can't move no more Last Line: I'm going to stop my woman : and fix it so she can't have another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWO THINGS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Two things possess the power Last Line: In no single mouth the same Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans TWO TIME BLUES, by ARTHUR PETTIES Poem Source First Line: A two-timing woman : don't want no one man Last Line: Well well well well : I ain't going to stay here long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) TWO TIMES ONE IS TWO, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: You 'tend to yo' business, an' I'll tend to mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs U NAME THIS ONE, by CAROLYN M. RODGERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let uh revolution come. Uh Subject(s): African Americans - Women U NAME THIS ONE, by CAROLYN M. RODGERS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let uh revolution come. Uh Last Line: Let uh revolution come. %couldn't be no action like what %I dun already seen Subject(s): African Americans - Women ULTIMATUM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Baby, how come you can't see me Last Line: Without your rent %I mean %without a cent Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans ULTIMATUM: KID TO KID, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Go home, stupid Last Line: Stupid, go home - %before I cry Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UN BELLE MARIE COOLIE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Beautiful marie, the east indian Last Line: You beautiful woman, you're good enough for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs UN-AMERICAN INVESTIGATORS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The committee's fat Last Line: With delight in %its manure Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; United States UNCLE BUD, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Oh, uncle bud goin' down the road Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs UNCLE GUS, by DOLORES KENDRICK Poem Source First Line: Gus would sit at his piano Last Line: Laughed at the goodness of his rhythms, %and dared the ghosts to come Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song And Music UNCLE IKE'S BIRTHDAY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well uncle ike! This beats me Last Line: "tank you sah; I must go." Subject(s): African Americans; Birthdays; Uncles; Negroes; American Blacks UNCLE JAKE AND THE LEVEE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: De lord holps dem dat hopls deyselves Last Line: "he ain't de man what I tuck him fur!" Subject(s): African Americans; Doubt; Labor & Laborers; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Skepticism; Work; Workers; Theology UNCLE JERRY FANTS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Has you heared 'bout uncle jerry fants? Last Line: An' he sot down on a bunch o' grapes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs UNCLE JIMMIE'S YARN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Did I evah tell you, sonny Last Line: Way back in 'sixty-three Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks UNCLE JIMMY, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My uncle with the cooper glow Last Line: Doing the bugaloo with life Subject(s): African Americans UNCLE NED, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Jes lay down de shovel an' de hoe Last Line: Dat she wouldn' see de ole nigger 'gain Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs UNCLE PETER, by LEILA STEPHENS Poem Text First Line: He was just an old darkey Last Line: "so mah eyes kin see you!" Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks UNCLE RUBE ON THE RACE PROBLEM, by CLARA ANN THOMPSON Poem Text First Line: How'd I solve de negro problum?' Last Line: Whethah folks like it or no. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry UNCLE SAM BLUES, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: Let me tell you postman : what the army has done to me Last Line: He took all the booze away : and my good brown from town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UNCLE TOM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Within the beaten pride Last Line: Taught well %to know his place Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UNCLE TOM (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uncle tom is a legend and a dream Last Line: Uncle tom's children wholly free Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UNCLE WILLIS, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Aunt anna calls herself Last Line: He plans on breaking Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Uncles UNDER OBLIGATIONS (A NEGRO PARSON'S CHRISTMAS SERMON), by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I notice dat de weddah's rathah chilsome, mo' o' less, Last Line: Kase yo's undah obligashuns to ole santa claus. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Christmas; Santa Claus; Sermons; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The; Nicholas, Saint UNDER THE DAYS, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The days fall upon me Last Line: Who will ever find me %under the days? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Women's Rights UNDER THE EDGE OF FEBRUARY, by JAYNE CORTEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Your arson of alert %beautiful Subject(s): African Americans - Women UNDERGROUND (TO ANTI-FASCISTS OF THE OCCUPIED COUNTRIES), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Still you bring us with our hands bound Last Line: For time will give us %out spring %at last Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UNDERTAKER BLUES, by BUSTER JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Mr undertaker mr undertaker : drop your hammer and saw Last Line: I have to leave you to heaven : *oh my baby's do no wrong* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UNDERTAKER'S BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Six pallbearers : take his to his last go-round Last Line: Rambled : till the butcher cut him down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UNDERTOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The solid citizens Last Line: Westchester %and me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UNHAPPY BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: I can't be contented : oh nowhere I be Last Line: For I'm so unhappy : out here on the county farm Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UNION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not me alone -- %I know now __ Last Line: That must be ended Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UNION REFUSED TO OBSERVE MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY ..., by ROBERT D. FREEDMAN Poem Source First Line: Although I wear a suit and rep tie Last Line: Around the world I'd been, %they shrugged and winked at my white skin Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) UNKNOWN, by LANCE JEFFERS Poem Source First Line: A river of slush runs through my heart Last Line: For my song to fling its cry Subject(s): African Americans UNNAMED TITLE, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Let me be your little dog : until your big hound comes Last Line: Because that's that's something : it will never do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UNTIL MY LOVE COME DOWN, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now you got fruit on your tree : lemons on your shelf Last Line: I asked you about your lemons : baby and you ups and tells me a lie Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UNTITLED BLUES, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I catch myself trying Last Line: Where your skin %is your passport Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations UP FROM SLOBBERY, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Language; Social Commentaries; Negroes; American Blacks; Words; Vocabulary UP THE WAY BOUND, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: My baby done quit me : and talk's all over town Last Line: I'm going to ride : until I find that good-goody woman of mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) UP-BEAT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the gutter / boys who try Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks UP-BEAT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the gutter %boys who try Last Line: While from the gutter %both can rise: %but it requires %plenty of eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UPHEAD AB' SCATTER, BOYS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs US: COLORED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So strange, %we are completely out of range Last Line: So strange Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans UTOPIA, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God grant you wider vision, clearer skies, my son Last Line: Unto a waiting sunset! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Children VAGABONDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are the desperate Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers VAGABONDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are the desperate Last Line: The tearless %who cannot %weep Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Labor And Laborers VARI-COLORED SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I had a heart of gold Last Line: And never up instead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans VERNITA BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Vernita : honey what do you want me to do Last Line: Now I could come to love you : if you would treat me nice and kind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VERSES TO MY HEART'S-SISTER, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We've traveled long together Last Line: Forever and for aye! Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): African Americans - Women VICKSBURG 'ROUND THE BEND, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Oh, vicksburg is in the bend, - natches jes' below Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs VICKSBURG BLUES NO. 2, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: I've been worrying all day mama : and could hardly sleep last night Last Line: All I know I do in vicksburg : lord is *paraday* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VICKSBURG BLUES--PART 3, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: Had a cool loving mama : and they call her jesse p Last Line: The reason I really love her : I think of vicksburg on the hill Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VIETNAM #4, by CLARENCE MAJOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A cat said / on the corner Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Vietnamese Conflict. 1961-1975; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry VINIE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I loves coffee, an' I loves tea Last Line: God bless you, vinie! I wish you 'us mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs VIOLA LEE BLUES, by NOAH LEWIS Poem Source First Line: The judge he repeat it : the clerk he wrote it down Last Line: I been drinking white lightning : it gone to my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VIOLIN BLUES, by NAP HAYES Poem Source First Line: Ooh : my baby don't treat me good no more Last Line: When she go to bed every night : she tells everything what's on her mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VISITORS TO THE BLACK BELT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You can talk about %across the railroad tracks Last Line: Who're you, outsider? %ask me who am I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans VIVE NOIR!, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I %am going to rise Last Line: An' when all the coppertone's gone Subject(s): African Americans VOICE THROWIN' BLUES, by WALTER BUDDY BOY HAWKINS Poem Source First Line: Come in at dawn : stay out late Last Line: The woman I got : sweet enough for me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VOICES, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I stand upon the haunted plain Last Line: The voice of opportunity. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans - Women VOL STEVENS BLUES, by VOL STEVENS Poem Source First Line: Woke up early this morning : feeling awful low Last Line: Get blue tomorrow : sing them for yourself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) VOTING, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: In conversation my grandmama calls them good-looking boys Last Line: In dresses Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama W'Y DE BLACK FOLKS AM SO GOOD, by LOUISE AYRES GARNETT Poem Text First Line: Dere's some w'at says dat de lawd wuz out Last Line: Goes lopin' t'other way. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks W. P. A. BLUES, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: Everybody's working in this town : and it's worrying me night and day Last Line: They was tearing my house down on me : ooo that crew from the w p a Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) W.W., by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Back home the black women are all beautiful Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks W.W., by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Back home the black women are all beautiful Last Line: Miss muffett in a runaway ugly machine. I mean. Like that Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism WABASH RAG, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Down south : on wabash street Last Line: Get on wabash : break them down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WAIT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the silent one Last Line: I shall find words to speak %wait! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WAIT AND LISTEN, by FRED MCMULLEN Poem Source First Line: Well you can't wait and listen : hear me when I cry Last Line: *but with searching* I cry mama : see my baby laying on the bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WAITING, by MARILYN ELAINE CARMEN Poem Source First Line: He left the back gate open Last Line: Of the grown boy %returning home Subject(s): African Americans WAKE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell all my mourners Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WAKE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell all my mourners Last Line: Cause there ain't no sense %in my bein' dead Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WAKING BLUES, by OTIS HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Did you ever wake up with the blues : and didn't have no place to go Last Line: Mr blues ain't doing nothing : and I would like to get a job from you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WALK PROUD, / MY BROTHER, by SIBYL RAE COLLINS Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans; Mandela, Nelson (b. 1918) WALK TOM WILSON, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Ole tom wilson, he had 'im a hoss Last Line: Sweep dat kitchen wid a bran' new broom Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WALKIN' ACROSS THE COUNTRY, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: Walking walking : talking to myself Last Line: A woman can still make a man : act like a clown Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WALKIN' BLUES, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : feeling around for my shoes Last Line: Break in on a dollar : most anywhere she goes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WALKING BLUES, by CHASEY COLLINS Poem Source First Line: You can mistreat me here ; but you can't when I go home Last Line: I seen another darky : trying to change my woman's mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WALKING BLUES, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : with my head bowed down Last Line: I'll soon be there : because I've got the walking blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WALKING THE STREET, by GEORGIA+(2) WHITE Poem Source First Line: Stood on the corner : till my feet got soaking wet Last Line: I've got to make six dollars : just to buy my man a pair of shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WALLS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Four walls can hold Last Line: Garnered from yesterday %and held for tomorrow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WALTER, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Me and walter used to go skinny-dipping Last Line: In line creek Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama WANDERING BLUES, by CHARLIE CAMPBELL Poem Source First Line: Every night : I wander by myself Last Line: Because I never get the loving : that I really should Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WANT, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source First Line: I want to take down with my hands Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women WANT OF YOU, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A hint of gold where the moon will be Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women WANTED! CORNBREAD AND COON, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se gwine now a-huntin' to ketch a big fat coon Last Line: An' I sho' won't git hongry 'fore de middle o' nex' june Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The face of war is my face Last Line: Like your name %is war Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WAR, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Every day after school I used to run into town to listen Last Line: Office up in birmingham Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama WAR HORSE MAMA, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: War horse papa : how come you do me like you do Last Line: War horse papa : you know you can't be true Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WAR II, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: My daddy had vietnam dreams Last Line: To shorter Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama WAR IS ON, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: De boll-weevil's in de cotton Last Line: Poor nigger hain't got no home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WARM IT UP TO ME, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Take a little trip : up on a mountain top Last Line: One of these here women : ain't going to treat you right Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WARNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy, Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WARNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy, Last Line: Don't let your dog %curb you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WARNING: AUGMENTED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't let your dog curb you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WARNING: AUGMENTED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't let your dog curb you! Last Line: Cur dog, fice dog, kerry blue %just don't let your dog curb you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WARRIORS WELCOME, by PHAVIA KUGICHAGULIA Poem Source First Line: Black man %come home Last Line: Say you're coming home %to stay Subject(s): African Americans WARTIME BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: What you going to do : when they send your man to war Last Line: You treat me : like my trouble have just begun Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WASH-A-TERIA, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Used to go to the wash-a-teria off the atlanta highway Last Line: Alabama afternoon Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama WASHING MAMMA'S DISHES (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: When I wus a liddle boy Last Line: I wonder wus I drinkin'? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WATCHA DOIN'?, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: I married my baby : married her for myself Last Line: Ask her cook your breakfast : but she never did Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WATER BOUND BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Now my home's on the water: spending awhile on land Last Line: Says I traveled over this country: every kind of man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WATER SONGS, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: A disconnected connection Last Line: And everything is alright Variant Title(s): March Water Songs Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Grief; Reality; Singing And Singers; Tears WATER-FRONT STREETS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The spring is not so beautiful there Last Line: Who carry beauties in their hearts %and dreams, like me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WATERMELON PREFERRED, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Dat hambone an' chicken are sweet Last Line: Dat watermillion, smilin' on de vine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WAY BACK DOWN HOME, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: I went to the western union : just to send up a telephone Last Line: I must've didn't have the right number : when I went to the western union to the telephone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WAY DOWN THAT LONESOME ROAD, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Look down look down : that long old lonesome road Last Line: Then the blues will make you think : about all your right-hand friends Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WAY I FEEL BLUES, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: Hey : I know you don't know the way I feel Last Line: Lord it breaks my heart : to hear the *work-hard* miss so-and-so's name Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WAY IT IS, by GLORIA CATHERINE ODEN Poem Source First Line: I have always known Last Line: I am so pleased with myself Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Children WAY IT WAS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: New things was coming %you Subject(s): African Americans; Buffalo (city), New York; Labor And Laborers WAY IT WAS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mornings %I got up early Last Line: Not touching %trying to be white Subject(s): African Americans - Women WAYS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A slash of the wrist Last Line: To hold you in her arms Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WAYWARD GIRL BLUES, by LOTTIE BEAMAN Poem Source First Line: I've got the blues : on mother's knee Last Line: I had no mother : here to take my part Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WE ARE 'ALL THE GO', by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Yes! We's 'all-de-go,' boys; we's 'all-de-go' Last Line: House steps an' town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WE ARE RISING, by GEORGE CLINTON ROWE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Among the sayings of our race Last Line: Tell to the world we're rising! Subject(s): African Americans - Children WE CAN SELL THAT THING, by ROOSEVELT SYKES Poem Source First Line: There you was : down in then *lees* Last Line: Don't it smell : when it blowing your way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WE GONNA MOVE, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: When I get you mama : we going to move on the outskirts of town Last Line: If we have any babies : I want them all to look like me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WE GOT TO GET TOGETHER, by FRANK EDWARDS Poem Source First Line: Hitler cutting the world : gotten disturbed Last Line: Crying lord they musn't let him : please don't go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WE OWN THE NIGHT, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are unfair Last Line: We own the night Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WE OWN THE NIGHT, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are unfair Last Line: The day will not save them %and we own the night Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans WE REAL COOL; THE POOL PLAYERS. SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We real cool. We / left school. We Last Line: Die soon. Variant Title(s): We Real Cool Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Americans; Death; Labor & Laborers; Men; United States; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Work; Workers; America WE SURE GOT HARD TIMES NOW, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Got a song to sing you : and it's no excuse Last Line: And after election was over : your head's down like a billygoat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WE WALK THE WAY OF THE NEW WORLD, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: We run the dangercourse Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WE WALK THE WAY OF THE NEW WORLD, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We run the dangercourse Last Line: We will live in it too %& will want to be remembered %as real people Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): African Americans WE WEAR THE MASK, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: We wear the mask that grins and lies Last Line: We wear the mask! Subject(s): African Americans; Grief; Hypocrisy; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Sorrow; Sadness; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry WE'LL STICK TO THE HOE (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WE'RE ALL IN THE TELEPHONE BOOK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: That's america's telephone book Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; United States WE, TOO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, congo brother Last Line: Congo brother, %rise with you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WEAK-MINDED BLUES, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: I wonder : will a matchbox hold my dirty clothes Last Line: Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WEALTH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From christ to ghandi Last Line: The simple dew %of love Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WEARY HEARTED BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: Look a-here pretty mama : I'll tell you what I'll do Last Line: I'll give her a dollar in the street : and I'll give here two at home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WEEPING WILLOW BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: I went down to the river : sat beneath a willow tree Last Line: The way he treats me girls : he'll do the same thing to you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WELFARE BLUES, by JOSHUA+(1) WHITE Poem Source First Line: The welfare helping people : each and every day Last Line: If I don't make nothing off my cotton : boss will pay me for my seed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WELFARE STORE BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now me and my baby talked last night : and we talked for nearly an hour Last Line: I say and if you do that for me : I won't have to go down to that welfare store Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WERE IS MY HEAD GOING, by KALI GROSVENOR Poem Source Last Line: Its going black %thats were Subject(s): African Americans WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text Last Line: "were you there, when they laid him in the tomb?" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;jesus Christ; Negro Spirituals WEST END BLUES, by KATHERINE HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: I'm full of mean evil feeling : and I'm full of gin Last Line: I'm on my way to the west end to leave those ugly old west end blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WEST TEXAS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down in west texas where the sun Last Line: Ain't no place %for a colored %man to stay! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Farm Life WEST TEXAS BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: I got a letter from texas : how do you reckon it read Last Line: And you can't really imagine : how you hear those wild ox moan Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WEST TEXAS WOMAN, by WHISTLIN' ALEX MOORE Poem Source First Line: I met a woman in west texas : she had been left by herself all alone Last Line: The man in the moon looked down on us : but had nothing to say Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WEST VIRGINIA BLUES, by EDWARD+(3) THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: On west virginia : where the brown I love Last Line: Then you know : that brown going to be the death of me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WESTERN FRONT, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My intentions are colors, I'm filled with Last Line: Not, for definite, no cats we know Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism WESTERN UNION BLUES, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Western union : send this telegram Last Line: Stomach's empty : think my throat is stuck Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WESTERN UNION MAN, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Western union man : please stop by my house today Last Line: Now what's the use of me worrying about a western union man : when I have passenger plane flying rig Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT A LITTLE MOONLIGHT CAN DO, by JOSEPH HEITHAUS Poem Source First Line: You can see her, hair down, sipping a coke Last Line: Their legs loose and lifeless in air Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers WHAT COLOR IS BLACK?, by BARBARA MAHONE Poem Source First Line: Black is the color of Last Line: The color of our strength %is black Subject(s): African Americans WHAT DO I CARE FOR MORNING, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: Night is here, yielding and tender- %what do I care for dawn! Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women WHAT HAVE I DONE?, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: Listen babe: tell me the truth Last Line: You haven't did babe : what you should do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT I AM, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Fred sanford's on at 12 Last Line: Fred tells lamont Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHAT I LOVE, by DEVORAH MAJOR Poem Source First Line: You %rolling your eyes over ill-timed jokes, you Last Line: Harvesting autumn love Subject(s): African Americans WHAT I THINK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The guys who own Last Line: And have liberty -- %that's what I think Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHAT IS IT THAT TASTES LIKE GRAVY?, by UNKNOWN+216 Poem Source First Line: What is it tastes like gravy : boys I bet you don't know Last Line: Just see tampa red : and his best gal too Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT IS THERE FOR US?, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source Last Line: Today is our own Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Daughters WHAT KEEPS US ALIVE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Is someone who knew you Last Line: I'll see you again Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ancestors And Ancestry; Family Life; Memory WHAT MORE CAN I DO?, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: I come to your house : and knock upon your door Last Line: Because you don't want me : there must be some other man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT WILL WE DO FOR BACON (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' - 'bam' - I shot her on de tail Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHAT YO' GWINE T' DO WHEN DE LAMP BURN DOWN?, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Oh, po' sinner Last Line: If yo' don't mind, he slip on yo' %what yo' gwine t' do when de lamp burn dowm? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHAT YOU GONNA DO?, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: What you going to do : when they put you in jail again Last Line: Do like I would do : open it if you can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT YOU WAS YOU USED TO BE, by DAISY MARTIN Poem Source First Line: Because what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more Last Line: Keep right on running : go chase yourself Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT'S THAT TASTES LIKE GRAVY, by UNKNOWN+207 Poem Source First Line: Says she killed a chicken : and she cook him down low Last Line: I was laying coal yard : strutting my stuff Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT'S THE MATTER BLUES, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Oh now I wonder what's the matter : I can't rest at night Last Line: You give me a bad-luck deal : kept something on my mind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH LOVE?, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: You got me : feeling sad Last Line: The worst feeling : I ever had Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH THE MILL?, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Well I had a little corn : I put it in a sack Last Line: If you're going to the mill : you get to there crying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT'S THE MATTER?, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: Now yonder comes baby : he's coming down the street Last Line: I seen two bullfrogs : doing the *cold down low* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHAT?, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some pimps wear summer hats Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHAT?, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some pimps wear summer hats Last Line: Got to neglect something, %so what would you do Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHAT? SO SOON!, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I believe my old lady's Last Line: You call it fate? %figurette %de-daddle-dy! %de-dop! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHATCH OUT, PAPA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When y ou thrill with joy Last Line: All about. %watch out! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHEN A 'GATOR HOLLER, FOLK SAY IT'S A SIGN OF RAIN, by MARGARET+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Blow whistle : my stomach say it's eating time Last Line: The weather's getting cloudy lord : how these *birdies sing* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN A MAN GETS DOWN, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: When a man gets down : feel like he ain't got no friends at all Last Line: When you get up : try to remember everybody that mistreated you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN A MAN GETS DOWN : THE TROUBLE LASTS ALWAYS, by WILLIE BAKER Poem Source First Line: When a man gets down : the trouble lasts always Last Line: That's the monday morning : I broke my mama's rule Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN CAN I CHANGE MY CLOTHES, by WASHINGTON WHITE Poem Source First Line: Never will forget the day : when they had me in parchman jail Last Line: Taken my citizen's clothes : and throwed them away Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN DE CO'N PONE'S HOT, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Dey is times in life when nature Last Line: An' de co'n pone's hot. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHEN DEY 'LISTED COLORED SOLDIERS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dey was talkin' in de cabin, dey was talkin' in de hall Last Line: W'en dey 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'lias went to wah. Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; United States - History WHEN I GET MY BONUS, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: When I was broke : didn't have a dime Last Line: You think you can get my money : that is going to be your d b a Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN I GO TO MARRY, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: So's I can w'ar de britches Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHEN I HAD BUT FIFTY CENTS, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I took my gal to a fancy ball Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHEN I HAD MONEY, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: I listened to my baby : when she was telling me her dreams Last Line: Lord I would not have been here no : baby laying in this old hospital bed Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN I WAS A 'ROUSTABOUT' (WITH MUSIC), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' my long week's wuk is about at its end Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: An' set up ev'ry night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHEN MALINDY SINGS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: G'way an' quit dat noise, miss lucy Last Line: Ez malindy sings. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Singing & Singers; Negroes; American Blacks; Songs WHEN MY WIFE DIES, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'en my wife dies, gwineter git me anudder one Last Line: An' go an' tell de folks I'se done gone to 'res' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHEN THE ARMIES PASSED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama, I found this soldier's cap Last Line: It is a red star, mother Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: If it keeps on raining : levee's going to break Last Line: Cause me to leave my baby : and my happy home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN WE LIFTED OUR VOICES, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: In a cold school auditorium Last Line: Lift every voice' to begin Subject(s): African Americans; Singing And Singers; Voices WHEN YOU FALL FOR SOMEONE THAT'S NOT YOUR OWN, by LONNIE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: They tell me blues and trouble : walk hand in hand Last Line: Only thing that hurts you : she have to go home sometime Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN YOU GET A GOOD FRIEND, by ROBERT+(2) JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: When you got a good friend : have her stay right by your side Last Line: Got you a close friend baby : then your enemies can't do you no harm Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN YOU GET TO THINKING, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: A married woman: best woman ever been born Last Line: Say the woman I love lord: she is my partner's maid Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHEN YOU READ THIS POEM, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The earth turns %like a rainbow Subject(s): African Americans - Women WHEN YOU THOUGHT ME POOR, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Poverty; Success WHEN YOUR WAY GETS DARK, by CHARLEY PATTON Poem Source First Line: When your way gets dark : baby turn your lights up high Last Line: I'm going away baby : don't you want to go Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHERE DID YOU STAY LAST NIGHT?, by THOMAS ANDREW DORSEY Poem Source First Line: Tell me pretty mama : where'd you stay last night Last Line: My gal come home : with a tie across her back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHERE DID YOU STAY LAST NIGHT?, by JANE LUCAS Poem Source First Line: You can talk about me going : push me to the wall Last Line: Check up on my loving : but you sure can't get it all Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHERE IS MY GOOD MAN, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Lord I wonder : where is my good man at Last Line: He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHERE SERVICE IS NEEDED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For the negro nurse there's been no easy way Last Line: Her skilled hands may serve where service is needed Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHERE WILL YOU BE?, by PATRICIA PARKER Poem Text First Line: Boots are being polished Alternate Author Name(s): Parker, Pat Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; African Americans - Women; Gays & Lesbians; Women's Rights; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Feminism WHERE WILL YOU BE?, by PATRICIA PARKER Poem Source First Line: Boots are being polished Last Line: And where will you be %when they come? Alternate Author Name(s): Parker, Pat Subject(s): African American Lesbians; African Americans - Women; Homosexuality; Women's Rights WHERE WUZ YOU LAS' NIGHT?, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHERE YOU BEEN, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Grandmama says Last Line: The red, red dirt of alabama Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama WHERE? WHEN? WHICH?, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the cold comes Last Line: With old and not too gentle %apartheid Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHICH, by ALICE D. LIPPMANN Poem Text First Line: Brown man, brown man, brown man, brother Last Line: Flower the fields where daylight grows? Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; Negroes; American Blacks WHISKEY AND GIN BLUES, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I've been out all day : drinking both whiskey and gin Last Line: I'm going to drink good whiskey : the rest of my doggone days Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHISKEY DRINKIN' BLUES, by JENNY POPE Poem Source First Line: Have you ever woke up : with whiskey-drinking on your mind Last Line: And the guard told the prisoner : it ain't no whiskey-drinking here Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHISKEY HEAD MAN, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: Now he's a whiskey-headed man : and he stays drunk all the time Last Line: Sniffing around the back door : begging one more half a pint Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHISKEY HEADED BLUES, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Now you's a whiskey-headed woman : now and you stay drunk all the time Last Line: You grinning laughing and talking : with most every man you meet Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHISKEY MAN BLUES, by BLACK BOTTOM MCPHAIL Poem Source First Line: Well I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man Last Line: And I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHISKEY MOAN BLUES, by CLIFFORD GIBSON Poem Source First Line: I been drinking and gambling : barrelhousing all my days Last Line: But it's been so different now : since I have fell down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHISTLING SAM [WITH MUSIC], by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I has hyead o' people dancin' an' I's hyead o' people singin' Last Line: Wid his face all in a puckah mekin' jes' sich soun's ez dese: Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music WHITE LIES, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lies I could tell Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping WHITE LIES, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lies I could tell Last Line: Thinking they'd work %from the inside out Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Housekeeping WHITE MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sure I know you! Last Line: Are you always a white man? %huh? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHITE ONES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I do not hate you Last Line: Why do you torture me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHITE SHADOWS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm looking for a house Last Line: No such house %at all Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): House In The Worl Subject(s): African Americans WHITE THINGS, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Most things are colorful things - the sky, earth, and sea Last Line: "man-maker, make white!" Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHITEWASH STATION BLUES, by WILL SHADE Poem Source First Line: You can toot your whistle : blow your horn Last Line: Know I've got : the memphis jug band blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHITEWASH STATION BLUES, by UNKNOWN+211 Poem Source First Line: You can toot your whistle : blow your horn Last Line: Know I've got : the memphis jug band blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHO BUT THE LORD?, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I looked and I saw Last Line: So who but the lord %can protect me? %we'll see Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WHO IS MY BROTHER?, by PINKIE GORDON LANE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My friend, your face %is showing Last Line: Go wipe your feet in ashes %the sun has always been red Subject(s): African Americans - Women WHO SAID IT WAS SIMPLE, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are so many roots to the tree of anger Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry WHO'S BEEN HERE, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Baby who been here : since your daddy been gone Last Line: And the sisters back in the amen corner : their southern bound Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHO'S BEEN TELLIN' YOU BUDDY BROWN BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Baby who : I mean who been telling yo Last Line: Know I can tell my little woman : if I feel her in the dark Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHO'S REALLY GOT THE POWER?, by LUCY E. THORNTON-BERRY Poem Source First Line: Brother you wanna know Last Line: The red white and blue to %glorious black! Subject(s): African Americans WHOLING, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Everyday we practice warfare Last Line: I bleed new futures Subject(s): African Americans - Women WHOOPEE BLUES (1), by KING SOLOMON HILL Poem Source First Line: Baby you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night Last Line: Then I got to go through death valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHOOPEE BLUES (2), by KING SOLOMON HILL Poem Source First Line: Honey you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night Last Line: Then I got three hundred miles to go : traveling throught the mud and clay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHY ARE THEY HAPPY PEOPLE?, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Skin back your teeth, damn you Last Line: With your kin Subject(s): African Americans; Happiness; Negroes; American Blacks WHY ARE THEY HAPPY PEOPLE?, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Skin back your teeth, damn you Last Line: With your kin Subject(s): African Americans WHY AREN'T WE IN HISTORY BOOKS?, by JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: In massachusetts schools we learned Last Line: So, wht aren't we in history books? Subject(s): African Americans; Racism WHY DO SO FEW BLACKS STUDY CREATIVE WRITING?, by CORNELIUS ROBERT EADY Poem Source First Line: Always the same, sweet hurt Last Line: Of your life will be made %to circle their wagons? Subject(s): African Americans; Writing And Writers WHY DON'T YOU COME HOME BLUES, by FURRY LEWIS Poem Source First Line: Sarah lee : why don't you come home Last Line: I would not have : this *here red suit on* Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHY DON'T YOU DO RIGHT?, by LIL GREEN Poem Source First Line: You had plenty of money : in nineteen twenty-two Last Line: Now all you got to offer me : is a drink of gin Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHY I CHOOSE BLACK MEN FOR MY LOVERS, by LA LOCA Poem Source First Line: Acid today is trendy entertainment Last Line: No wonder malcolm called them devils Subject(s): African Americans; Communism; Growth; Guevara, Ernesto (che) (1928-1967); Youth WHY I HATE JAMEL, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Firstly %he steals the beads Last Line: I love him otherwise Subject(s): African Americans; Love WHY I LIKE MOVIES, by PATRICIA SPEARS JONES Poem Source First Line: I like movies because %people get to mug their faces in movies Last Line: Time turns away %a revolution terrified of the dark Subject(s): African Americans - Women WHY LOOK AT ME?, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: What's you lookin' at me fer? Last Line: Fer to sae my soul Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHY SHOULDN'T I BE BLUE, by WALTER DAVIS Poem Source First Line: Mama why should I be worried : and why should I be so blue Last Line: Lord I would do all right with you baby : but you know you try to be too nice Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WHY THE WOODPECKER'S HEAD IS RED (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Bill dillix say to day woodpecker bird Last Line: Till it's done burnt my head Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WHY'S/WISE: WISE 1, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: If you ever find / yourself Last Line: To get / out! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Wit & Humor; Negroes; American Blacks WHY'S/WISE: WISE 1, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you ever find %yourself Last Line: To get %out! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans WHY?, by MELBA JOYCE BOYD Poem Source First Line: Katherine %is warm Last Line: And why %do teardrops %dry in %the pockets %of my %cracked %smile? Subject(s): African Americans - Women WICKED DADDY BLUES, by ALURA MACK Poem Source First Line: I feel awfully : sad and blue Last Line: Wicked daddy all you do : is take and take Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WIDE RIVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma baby lives across de river Last Line: Cause if I don't see ma baby %I'll lay down an' die right now Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WIDOW WOMAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, that last long ride is a Last Line: And don't nobody else want me %yet you never can tell when a%a woman like me is free Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WIDOW'S JAZZ, by MINA LOY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The white flesh quakes to the negro soul Last Line: Of unpeopled space Alternate Author Name(s): Cravan, Arthur, Mrs.; Lowy, Mina Gertrude; Haweis, Stephen, Mrs. Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Chicago; Jazz; Music And Musicians WILD ABOUT MY LOVING, by LONNIE COLEMAN Poem Source First Line: Wild about my loving : *crazy deeds* I have my fun Last Line: Nothing up the country : monkey-man can do Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WILD CAT SQUAWL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I went home last night : about half past four Last Line: One at your window : one at your door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WILD COW BLUES, by JOE WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Yeah I got up this morning : I was feeling awful bad Last Line: I cried all night long lordy : and I can't get along with you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WILD FRUIT, SELS., by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poet's Biography Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans WILD HOG HUNT (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Nigger in de woods, a-settin' on a log Last Line: An' de nigger grab dat wild hog wid all his grip Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WILD JACK BLUES, by BILLIKEN JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Wild jack on the mountain : and he brays the whole day long Last Line: Going the keep my wild jack : if I have to chain him down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WILD NEGRO BILL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: I'se wild nigger bill Last Line: But ole mosser hain't cotch me, an' he never will Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WILD ROSES, by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Source First Line: What! Roses growing in a meadow Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women WILD WATER BLUES, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : I couldn't even get out of my door Last Line: Says you took my house out of cairo : carried it down in new orleans Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WILD WOMEN DON'T HAVE THE BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: I hear these women raving : about their monkey-man Last Line: Wild women are the only kind : that do ??? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WILL THE LAST PERSON TO LEAVE PLEASE TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: I went to the last Last Line: Dead last Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Dancing And Dancers; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Labor And Laborers; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers WILL V-DAY BE ME-DAY TOO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear fellow americans Last Line: That's what I want to know. %sincerely, %gi joe Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WILLIE B (1), by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama say %I got no business out here Last Line: A white man %the mother fucker Subject(s): African Americans; U.s. - Race Relations WILLIE B (3), by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama say %he was a black hero Last Line: But I never heard of it %being not born till 1955 Subject(s): African Americans; Heroism WILLIE WEE (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Willie, willie, willie wee Last Line: Come kiss me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WIMIN'S WORK, by WINIFRED VIRGINIA JACKSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She wan't like ede er kate er them Last Line: Up ter the day she died. Subject(s): African Americans - Women WIND BLOWS, by MAE V. COWDERY Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women WIND-BAG, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: A nigger come a-strutin' up to me las' night Last Line: When it's sumpin' to be filled up wid wind Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WINDOW PANE BLUES, by TOMMIE BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: Lord when I got up this morning : snow was on my windowpane Last Line: Lord and if I don't love you : I would not if I could Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WINE-O, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Setting in the wine-house Last Line: Soaking up a new souse. %tomorrow %oh, hum Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Alcoholics And Alcoholism WINGFOOT LAKE, by RITA DOVE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On her 36th birthday, thomas had shown her Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Swimming & Swimmers; United States - Race Relations WINGFOOT LAKE, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On her 36th birthday, thomas had shown her Last Line: Under the company symbol, a white foot %sprouting two small wings Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Swimming; U.s. - Race Relations WINTER MOON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How thin and sharp is the moon tonight! Last Line: How thin and sharp and ghostly white %is the slim curved crook of the moon tonight! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WINTER POEM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once a snowflake fell Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Winter; Negroes; American Blacks WINTER POEM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once a snowflake fell Last Line: A spring rain and I stood perfectly %still and was a flower Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Winter WINTER RETREAT: HOMAGE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., by RODNEY JONES Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There is a hotel in baltimore where we came together Last Line: But, in speaking proudly, we had failed a vision Subject(s): African Americans; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) WISDOM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I stand most humbly Last Line: As the dreamed of skies Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WISDOM AND WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We do not care Last Line: Better -- %and easier -- %to kill Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WISE MEN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let me become dead eyed Last Line: I'd be the proper person then %to teach a school Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WISHES, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm tired of pacing the petty round of the ring of the thing Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Wishes; Negroes; American Blacks WISHES, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm tired of pacing the petty round of the ring of the thing Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Wishes WITHOUT BENEFIT OF DECLARATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen here, joe Last Line: A guy %mama, don't cry Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WITNESS, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: The hands can help, I see Last Line: Wiped away by the clasp %of helping hands Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Angels WOKE UP COLD IN HAND, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Since the hard time is got me : I've been running from door to door Last Line: Well you dreamed you had a dollar : and your woman's got another man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WOLF RIVER BLUES, by GUS CANNON Poem Source First Line: Says I left memphis : went down the macon road Last Line: Lord I need somebody : hear me sing this song Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WOMAN GETS TIRED OF THE SAME MAN ALL THE TIME, by UNKNOWN+215 Poem Source First Line: Oh a woman gets tired I mean real tired : of the same man all the time Last Line: Oh well she's around the corner : *oozing* sweet jellyroll Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WOMAN I LOVE BLUES, by EURREAL LITTLE BROTHER MONTGOMERY Poem Source First Line: The woman I love : she only sixteen years of age Last Line: And the one I hate : at the house every day Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WOMAN ME, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your smile, delicate / rumor of peace Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMAN ME, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your smile, delicate %rumor of peace Last Line: A stomp of feet, a bevy of swift hands Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMAN POEM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You see, my whole life %is tied up %to happiness Last Line: For real thing %I %know Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMAN THING, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hunters are back from beating the winter's face Last Line: Meanwhile the womanthing my mother taught me %bakes off its covering of snow %like a rising blackeni Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMAN WOMAN BLUES, by ISHMAN BRACEY Poem Source First Line: Woman woman woman woman : lord what in the world you trying to do Last Line: Lord I felt so hard : till the blues crept up on me Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WOMAN'S SONG, by COLLEEN JOHNSON MCELROY Poem Source First Line: The land is cold and its men gather earth for no reason Last Line: I am diamonane, beloved %daughter, bird child of obsidian and serpent. I am the %egg, the sperm Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMAN, WOMAN, I SEEN YO' MAN, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WOMANHOOD, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMEN (3), by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They were women then Variant Title(s): Women Subject(s): African Americans - Women WOMEN (3), by ALICE WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They were women then Last Line: Of it %themselves Variant Title(s): Wome Subject(s): African Americans - Women WONDER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Early blue evening. %lights ain't come on yet Last Line: Looky yonder! %they come on now Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WOOFER (WHEN I CONSIDER THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN), by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I consider the much discussed dilemma Last Line: Linked by a blood filled baton in one great historical relay Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WOOING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will bring you big things Last Line: Nor the colors of dawn-morning, %nor a flaming love Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WOOING, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: W'at is dat a wukin Last Line: If not, w'at does you wush? Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs WORDS, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source First Line: Sugar %honey Last Line: Might lead %to cavities Subject(s): African Americans; Love WORDS FOR JAZZ PERHAPS: TO BESSIE SMITH, by MICHAEL LONGLEY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You bring from chattanooga tennessee Last Line: Each longed-for holiday, each terminal Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Singing And Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937) WORK ON BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Mama I ain't going to be: your old work ox no more Last Line: Says they will have your buddy: then play fake on you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORKIN' MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I works all day Last Line: An' gits nothin' but trouble Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WORKING MAN, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I been up the line : been up the line Last Line: And I'm trying so hard : to do the best I can Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORKING MAN BLUES, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Now you done spent all my nineteen forty rent : woman you done worked on my sub Last Line: You know the children can go in the daytime : ooh boys and the old folks have it at night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORKING ON THE PROJECT, by PEETIE WHEATSTRAW Poem Source First Line: I was working on the project : begging the relief for shoes Last Line: Now how can you make ends meet : oh well well well when you can't get no pay Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORKING THE ROOTS, by ANGELA JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Secretly, it was said, my great-great-grandmama, who looked Last Line: Cause no family or neighbors had the nerve to touch 'em Subject(s): African Americans - Alabama; African Americans - Children; Alabama WORLD IS FULL OF REMARKABLE THINGS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Quick night %easy warmth Last Line: Her eyes slide %into dreams Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism WORLD IS GOING WRONG, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Strange things have happened : that never before Last Line: No use asking me babe : because I'll never be back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORLD WAR II, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What a grand time was the war! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WORLD WAR II, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What a grand time was the war! Last Line: Did %somebody %die? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WORLD'S JAZZ CRAZY AND SO AM I, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Jazz them : everybody jazz them now Last Line: The world's jazz crazy : lord and so am I Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORN DOWN DADDY BLUES, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: The time has come : for us to part Last Line: You're just an old has-been : like a worn out joke Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORREID MAN BLUES, by JOHN D. FOX Poem Source First Line: On a sunday morning just about half past four Last Line: If you will love me mama : you'd never treat me wrong Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORRIATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's something disturbing Last Line: Keep looking that way? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans WORRIED ABOUT THAT WOMAN, by WILL WELDON Poem Source First Line: And I get worried I worry : I worries all the time Last Line: Because the good times I've had : I don't have no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WORRYING YOU OFF MY MIND - PART 1, by UNKNOWN+202 Poem Source First Line: I made a long day : walking along and crying Last Line: When they raising a squabble : taking some woman's Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WRAP YOUR TROUBLES IN DREAMS, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: The kick Last Line: You %sound %good to %mama %now Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955) WRINGING THAT THING, by ED MACON Poem Source First Line: Now listen here folks : we don't mean no harm Last Line: Had no breakfast : she been gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WRITIN' PAPER BLUES, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I wrote you a letter mama : put it in your front yard Last Line: Because you can't quit me papa : there's no need in trying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) WRONG WOMAN BLUES, by KI KI JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I was lying down dreaming : when the blues eased up on me Last Line: You'll ask her for loving : she'll swear she's almost dead Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) X...IS A CONSTANT IN TIME..., by J. E. M. JONES Poem Source First Line: I've got to be Last Line: By the teachings of the living %keep on giving us the word Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965) YA-DA-DO, by GERTRUDE PRIDGETT RAINEY Poem Source First Line: Every evening : about half past four Last Line: Big piano playing : near my door Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YARDBIRD'S SKULL, by OWEN DODSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The bird is lost Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Parker, Charlie ('bird') (1920-1955); Skulls; Negroes; American Blacks YARDBIRD'S SKULL, by OWEN DODSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The bird is lost Last Line: Come sing, come sing, come sing sing %and sing Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955); Skulls YEAR OF JUBILEE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Niggers, has you seed ole mosser Last Line: Go ring dat nigger field-bell Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YEAR ROUND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Summertime %is warm and bright Last Line: To bloom again Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YELLOW DOG BLUES, by SAM COLLINS Poem Source First Line: Easy mama : don't fade away Last Line: Just as sure as the train : leaves the rounded curve Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YELLOW DOG BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Ever since miss suzie johnson : lost her jockey lee Last Line: She's wondering : where her easy rider's gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YELLOW GIRL BLUES, by TEXAS ALEXANDER Poem Source First Line: Some of these women: I just can't understand Last Line: So these brownskin women: can cluster around my throne Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YELLOW JACKET, by HUDDIE LEDBETTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Yellow jacket yellow jacket : you sting me once more Last Line: But if I catch you stinging : believe I'll pull your nest all on down Alternate Author Name(s): Leadbelly Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YES I GOT YOUR WOMAN, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: You been tooting your whistle : and you been blowing your horn Last Line: Oh she walked these blocks for you : both day and night Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YES, I KNOW, by ALICE WALKER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yes, I know I am not Last Line: Like / this one Subject(s): African Americans – Women; Poetry & Poets YESTERDAY AND TODAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O, I wish that yesterday Last Line: But, baby, I feel blue Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YET DO I MARVEL, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I doubt not god is good, well-meaning, kind Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry YET DO I MARVEL, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I doubt not god is good, well-meaning, kind Last Line: Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: %to make a poet black, and bid him sing Subject(s): African Americans; Racism YIN 87, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Dangarees and silk Last Line: In them braids, too healthy for me Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Girls YO YO BLUES, by BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON Poem Source First Line: I want to yo-yo : but I broke my yo-yo string Last Line: I'm feeling funny and foolish : I can't shake that thing no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YO-YO BLUES NO.2, by ROBERT HICKS Poem Source First Line: Hey mr conductor : let me ride your train Last Line: You want to yo-yo mama : call on barbecue call on barbecue bob Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YODELING FIDDLING BLUES, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: Out in san antone texas : a long long ways from home Last Line: I see the way you going : you sure won't be here long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU ARE LIKE THE COMING OF DAWN, by IRMA MCCLAURIN Poem Source Last Line: But sometimes %a faint blush lingers Subject(s): African Americans YOU CAN'T DO WHAT MY LAST MAN DID, by ETHEL WATERS Poem Source First Line: You can't do : what my last man did Last Line: Then left me alone : to sigh and cry Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU CAN'T GIVE IT AWAY, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: What is that : you going around here trying to sell Last Line: What you trying to sell : ain't nobody buying Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU CAN'T KEEP NO BROWN, by SAM BUTLER Poem Source First Line: Now I woke up this morning mama : blues all around my bed Last Line: Because I'm going I'm going : to sing long-distance blues Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU CAN'T READ MY MIND, by TOMMY MCCLENNAN Poem Source First Line: I say my good-looking woman : honey she lives up on that hill Last Line: If I hadn't been in my whiskey too : it's liable to cause our fussing and fight Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU DON'T KNOW MY MIND, by CLARA SMITH Poem Source First Line: I went to the race track : my man *on derby* won Last Line: Pull the shoes off my feet : let me out in the cold Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU DON'T MEAN ME NO GOOD, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I got wise to you baby : after so many years Last Line: That I would treat you better : anybody else Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU DRINK TOO MUCH WHISKEY, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: The graveyard is lonely : you better put brakes on yourself Last Line: And as soon as all the taverns close : you then head for some moonshine joint Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GIVE AN ACCOUNT, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tell you something : baby you can't do Last Line: Way out on my door : she made a loving sign Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GONNA QUIT ME BLUES, by BLIND BLAKE Poem Source First Line: You going to quit me baby : good as I been to you Last Line: Jailhouse ain't no place baby : believe me 'tain't no lie Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GONNA WORRY TOO, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: I'm down now baby : I'll be up some day Last Line: I know it's going to worry me : but it won't last long Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT ME ROLLIN', by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: You got me rolling mama : I don't know how come Last Line: Mama : then I'll bite like a cat Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT TO DIE SOME DAY, by LUCILLE BOGAN Poem Source First Line: You may be beautiful : but baby you got to die some day Last Line: When you love someone : and that someone don't love you Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT TO HAVE YOUR DOLLAR, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: When I had money : I had womwn and friends for miles around Last Line: Yes she got me doing things : that I never did before Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT TO HELP ME SOME, by PETER CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Now you may be sweet little woman : as an apple on a tree Last Line: We'll just call partners : so you cannot get sold for slaves Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT TO MOVE--PART 1, by JOE MCCOY Poem Source First Line: Say little girl : can I spend the night Last Line: Now she's begging : every man she meets Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT TO MOVE--PART I, by UNKNOWN+209 Poem Source First Line: Look here baby : you ain't got to go Last Line: I made a-plenty money : all last week Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU GOT TO STEP BACK, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: Well I asked you woman : where did you stay last night Last Line: When I ain't got no bottom : on my last pair of shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU HAD BETTER MIND MASTER, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Way down yon'er in 'possum trot Last Line: So's you won't git sol' down to ole miss'sip' Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YOU HAVE MADE ME WEEP, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You'se made me weep, you'se made me mourn Last Line: I'se gwine away to-morrow Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YOU LEFT ME CRYING, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: You left me crying baby : please come back to me Last Line: If you don't come back to me : hot spring water won't help you none Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU LOVE YOUR GIRL, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source Last Line: Sweeter 'an juice Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YOU MADE IT RAIN, LADY, by RUBY C. SAUNDERS Poem Source Last Line: Because of you, madame moon %it rains Subject(s): African Americans - Women YOU MAY GO BUT THIS WILL BRING YOU BACK, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: You may leave and go to hali-ma-fack Last Line: Well-a you may go but this will bring you back Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music YOU MAY GO, BUT YOU'LL COME BACK SOME DAY, by MAGGIE JONES Poem Source First Line: Now you may go : but you'll come back some day Last Line: But you'll find another mule : just kicking in your stall Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU MAY LEAVE BUT THIS WILL BRING YOU BACK, by CHARLIE BOZO NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: My father was a jockey : learned me to ride behind Last Line: Will feed every dame : in *jack burse* yard Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU RUN AND TELL YOUR DADDY, by CHARLEY JORDAN Poem Source First Line: Well it's everything I tell you : you run and tell your daddy-law Last Line: She say you might get mawkish : baby you won't keep it hid Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU SCOLDED ME AND DROVE ME FROM YOUR DOOR, by MISSISSIPPI BRACEY Poem Source First Line: You scold me faro now : drove all from your door Last Line: Know my buddy got something now : lord I'd like to own Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU SHALL, by FRANK STOKES Poem Source First Line: Oh well it's our father : who art in heaven Last Line: Don't allow my preacher at my house no more Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU SHALL BE FREE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: A nigger will be a nigger, don't care what you do Last Line: When de good lord sat you free Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YOU SHOULDN'T DO THAT, by SLEEPY JOHN ESTES Poem Source First Line: Don't a man do wrong : till a man make hisself at home Last Line: I won't be worried with the ??? : I'm going to move out to the edge of town Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU STOLE MY LOVE, by UNKNOWN+218 Poem Source First Line: Gal you stole my love : and you know that it was a crime Last Line: Everything I start : I want you to meet me halfway Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU STOLE MY MAN, by IDA COX Poem Source First Line: Old pal old pal : you stole my man away Last Line: But that's no sign : we should take each other's man Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU TALK ABOUT YO' GREENBACKS, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YOU'LL LIKE MY LOVING, by OTIS HARRIS Poem Source First Line: I know you like my loving : I can tell from the way you wine Last Line: But before it's over with : we hollering lord oh lordy lord Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'LL NEVER MISS YOUR JELLY TILL YOUR JELLY ROLLERS GONE, by LIL JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my bed Last Line: You never miss your jelly : till your jellyroller's gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'RE LAUGHING NOW, by BILL JAZZ GILLUM Poem Source First Line: Said I work for you baby : I treat you like a baby child Last Line: Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'VE BEEN A GOOD OLD WAGON, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Look a-here daddy : I want to tell you please get out of my sight Last Line: He's a good old wagon : daddy and he ain't broke down Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'VE BEEN FOOKIN' ROUND TOWN, by JOHN LEE WILLIAMSON Poem Source First Line: I'm going to tell you something : keep it to yourself Last Line: Marry mr so-and-so : you can have your way Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'VE GOT ME GRIEVING, by LEROY CARR Poem Source First Line: Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you Last Line: You going to leave me : bye bye bye Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING THERE, by BLIND BOY FULLER Poem Source First Line: The day I went uptown : caught you looking well Last Line: A mighty bad sign : to advertise your gals Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOU'VE GOT TO BEAT ME TO KEEP ME, by TRIXIE SMITH Poem Source First Line: Beat me up for breakfast : knock me down for tea Last Line: Beat me to a frazzle : with your skillets pots and pans Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUNG AFRIKANS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who take today and jerk it out of joint Variant Title(s): Young Africans Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks YOUNG BLOOD, by OPAL PALMER ADISA Poem Source First Line: You with your %african medallion Last Line: We chantin %for all of you Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG BRIDE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They say she died Last Line: And rest from pain of love %in loveless sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG GAL'S BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm gonna walk to the graveyard Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks YOUNG GAL'S BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm gonna walk to the graveyard Last Line: Keep on lovin' me, daddy, %cause I don't want to be blue Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG MASTER AND OLD MASTER (NURSERY RHYME), by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: Hick'ry leaves an' calico sleeves Last Line: Better know dat ole mosser's not easy to please Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs YOUNG NEGRO GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are like a warm dark dusk Last Line: Burn white with stars Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG ONES, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With cotton to the doorstep Last Line: Praise god from whom %all blessings flow' Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG PROSTITUTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her dark brown face Last Line: Those kind come cheap in harlem %so they say Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG SAILOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He carries Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG SINGER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One who sings 'chansons vulgaires' Last Line: That she is like a nymph %for some wild faun Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans YOUNG WOMAN'S BLUES, by ELIZABETH SMITH Poem Source First Line: Woke up this morning : when the chickens was crowing for day Last Line: And I'm a good woman : and I can get plenty of men Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR BABY AIN'T SWEET LIKE MINE, by PAPA CHARLIE JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Everybody's talking : about the *gren??? Day* Last Line: Your baby : ain't sweet like mine Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR BISCUITS ARE BIG ENOUGH FOR ME, by BO CHATMAN Poem Source First Line: Baby don't put no more baking powder : in your bread you see Last Line: Some men don't like bun and biscuits : like the doggone flat batter cake Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR GOOD MAN CAUGHT THE TRAIN AND GONE, by WALTER VINCSON Poem Source First Line: If you don't want me : won't you please tell me no Last Line: I had a good man : he caught the train and gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR MAN IS GONE, by FREDDIE SPRUELL Poem Source First Line: I feel like taking my suitcase : sitting down by that railroad side Last Line: You know that's the last of my good man : because they putting him down in the cold cold ground Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR MOTHER, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: Your mother %in the market Last Line: Even in the winter %live here Subject(s): African Americans; Mothers YOUR TIME TO WORRY, by BLIND WILLIE MCTELL Poem Source First Line: I done told you mama : right from the start Last Line: Mess around with you : the chain-gang will be my home Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR WAYS AND ACTIONS, by KOKOMO ARNOLD Poem Source First Line: Now your ways and actions : speaks almost as loud as words Last Line: Now she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Blues (music) YOUR WORLD, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your world is as big as you make it Last Line: With rapture, with power, with ease! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans - Women ZAKEE, by LINDA COUSINS Poem Source First Line: Fiery-eyed poet Last Line: Of his ecer-creative %soul Subject(s): African Americans; Nadir, Zakee ZANJ, by J. ANTHONY STOWERS Poem Source First Line: I cry with broken lips Last Line: At dusk -- how red the mud %of zanj Subject(s): African Americans |
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