I loved my friend He went away from me There's nothing more to say The poem ends, Soft as it began- I loved my friend.

My seeking has been to explain and illuminate the Negro condition in America and obliquely that of all human kind.

I will not take "but" for an answer.

I've been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between 'em they done Tried to make me Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'-- But I don't care! I'm still here!

Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be.

The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night And I love the rain.

I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America.