DEMOCRACY

web | The Sun Is but a Morning Star

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

I have as much right
As the other fellow has
      To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.

Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.

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

1949

© Langston Hughes
=============================
© E-publisher LiterNet, 18.12.2009
The Sun Is but a Morning Star. Anthology of American Literature. Edited by Albena Bakratcheva. Varna: LiterNet, 2008-2010