Langston Hughes
1902 - 1967


Without Benefit of Declaration

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

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

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

Mama, don't cry.