(1 February 1902 – 22 May 1967 / Missouri)

poet Langston Hughes
#11 on top 500 poets
User Rating:
5.9 / 10
( 142 votes )
What do you think this poem is about?

50-50

I’m all alone in this world, she said,
Ain’t got nobody to share my bed,
Ain’t got nobody to hold my hand—
The truth of the matter’s
I ain’t got no man.

Big Boy opened his mouth and said,
Trouble with you is
You ain’t got no head!
If you had a head and used your mind
You could have me with you
All the time.

She answered, Babe, what must I do?

He said, Share your bed—
And your money, too.

Submitted: Saturday, March 27, 2010

Comments about this poem (50-50 by Langston Hughes )

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  • Alvin Willis (5/28/2013 10:48:00 AM)

    Eventhough this poem was written decades ago.....it still has that swagger that is found now....presently.

    3 person liked.
    		2 person did not like.
  • Brianna James (4/22/2013 11:40:00 AM)

    This poem describes
    What goes on
    In these times

    13 person liked.
    		16 person did not like.
  • Parker Schilling (12/6/2012 7:40:00 AM)

    Fitting for these times. Everyone's out for money and sex.

    37 person liked.
    		51 person did not like.
  • Queen Nzingah (5/26/2012 5:15:00 PM)

    This is not only a very good poem, its name is incredibly fitting. Thank you Langston!

    58 person liked.
    		39 person did not like.
  • Jacob Trinidad (5/15/2012 5:18:00 PM)

    I have 50-50 with the truth
    With the world i have 1-99
    I need more world
    Not truth

    52 person liked.
    		43 person did not like.
  • Mini Matt (4/12/2012 8:49:00 AM)

    way to be dead man
    from mini matt

    p.s. i like monkeys

    45 person liked.
    		91 person did not like.
  • Boone Mccaw (1/26/2012 12:22:00 PM)

    Hi I'm Boone, and Langston Hughes is beast.

    82 person liked.
    		55 person did not like.
  • Shyla Cureton (6/23/2011 10:27:00 AM)

    Sure enough, it takes sensible people and an awakening of what's to be 'brought to the table' as my Brother, Alias, 'Rigid' says. And it has hurt me because of what I do and do not have. Yet, it gives me a strong desire to awaken to have more to my relationship. But what I believe the author, Mr. Hughes, is wonderfully and poetically saying is in the title, for both sides as a man and a woman to have something to bring... Whatever it maybe, other than sex and advantageousness to the relationship... Thank You Mr. Langston Hughes for you Brilliance.... May You forever eat of Good fruits and dainties in Heaven.

    66 person liked.
    		50 person did not like.
  • Nezha Nazih (7/25/2010 12:38:00 PM)

    I'll comment using something I wrote a long time ago during my university years
    here it is very naive and not really a poem
    My first money,
    Dad SnAtched it!
    Then all my monies
    Took the habit
    Of not being mine
    But the others'....

    67 person liked.
    		46 person did not like.
  • Eddie Rodgers (6/4/2010 1:05:00 PM)

    Frank Nitty is totally correct Ebony your thinking too much in your own life and missed the real meaning.

    44 person liked.
    		69 person did not like.
Read all 13 comments »

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