(1 February 1902 – 22 May 1967 / Missouri)

poet Langston Hughes
#7 on top 500 poets
User Rating:
8.0 / 10
( 259 votes )
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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.

Submitted: Friday, January 03, 2003


Read poems about / on: freedom, today, fear, people

Comments about this poem (Democracy by Langston Hughes )

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  • Sarah Brignac (9/12/2012 12:03:00 AM)

    Love it! ! ! His words are true but yet he seems angry on how the government was run back then only if he was here today he would realize that our freedom is strong and we got thinks that would might never happen. My point is even if we are free, we will never be free if we let people bring us down. Freedom come with a cost! And freedom is still costing us today...

    64 person liked.
    		28 person did not like.
  • Tyrone Thornton (11/24/2009 8:09:00 PM)

    Never heard more truthful, passionate, angry (but controlled) , heart fluttering words spoken ever before.

    84 person liked.
    		38 person did not like.
  • Belinda Velez (7/7/2009 6:56:00 PM)

    This poem makes me so proud to be African American. It really shows the progress we've made and will continue to make.

    70 person liked.
    		38 person did not like.
  • Jack Garvey (3/1/2009 11:20:00 AM)

    Hughes believed in the potential of all people. President Obama will prove the truths of his beliefs.

    66 person liked.
    		57 person did not like.
  • Donna Murray (2/26/2009 6:22:00 PM)

    This poem is very real and deep in meaning

    73 person liked.
    		37 person did not like.
  • Ronald Speight (2/14/2009 7:20:00 AM)

    usually poems give you something to say but im speechless

    57 person liked.
    		40 person did not like.
  • Brittany Gilkes (1/12/2009 7:59:00 AM)

    love this poem its so deep

    61 person liked.
    		34 person did not like.
  • Nakaissia Reed (12/21/2008 8:23:00 PM)

    Freedom has yet to ring-So why not hold on to the dream-Just like Langston said i have as much rights as you-[[so together lets dream]]

    60 person liked.
    		34 person did not like.
  • Riquetta Elliott (4/23/2008 1:28:00 PM)

    The famous poet's poem will live on. Very well-written.

    59 person liked.
    		34 person did not like.
  • Raphael Raphael (1/11/2007 10:35:00 PM)

    I'm sorry-

    But there ain't nobody like my Langston Hughes...The finest...The best...your poetic strength lives on beyond your eternal rest...I love you Langston...

    66 person liked.
    		38 person did not like.
Read all 10 comments »

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