As a graduate of an Historically Black College I have a special affinity for this poem and for this poet specifically. So, in honor of his birthday, this post is dedicated to Mr. Hughes, Poet Laureate of the Harlem Renaissance.
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
With the Busboy Poet on his birthday at Busboys & Poets :-)
