Langston Hughes




Border Line

I used to wonder
About living and dying -
I think the difference lies
Between tears and crying.

I used to wonder
About here and there -
I think the distance
Is nowhere.

Genuis Child

This is a song for the genius child
Sing it softly, for the song is wild
Sing it softly as ever you can -
Lest the song get out of hand

Nobody loves a genius child

Can you love an eagle,
Tame or wild?

Wild or tame,
Can you love a monster
Of frightening name?

Nobody loves a genius child

Kill him - and let his soul run wild!

Without Benefit of Declaration

Listen here, Joe
Don't you know
That tomorrow
You got to go
Out yonder where
The steel winds blow?

Listen here, kid,
It's been said
Tomorrow you'll be dead
Out there where
The snow is lead.

Don't ask me why.
Just go ahead and die.
Hidden from the sky
Out yonder you'll lie;
A medal for your family -
In exchange for
A guy.

Mama, don't cry.