Democracy by Langston Hughes

Google is paying homage to Langston Hughes with an excellent, animated Google Doodle. 113 years ago, Langston was born in Joplin, MO. The animated Google Doodle shows a caricature of Hughes and lines from his poem I Dream a World. Langston’s contributions to the fabric of the world helped spark the consciousness of people during the Harlem Renaissance through today.

Check out the words of one of his many his thought provoking poem by Hughes.

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.