Democracy

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.

More poems by Langston Hughes

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I know I am / The Negro Problem

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Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up

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Juke Box Love Song

I could take the Harlem night / and wrap around you,

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The Blues

When the shoe strings break / On both your shoes

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