"Democracy" by Langston Hughes

[marialuminous]

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 am 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.

-- Langston Hughes