“Your explanation depresses me," I said."Your nonsense depresses me," said Simple.”

“You and I By Henry Alford My hand is lonely for your clasping, dear; My ear is tired waiting for your call. I want your strength to help, your laugh to cheer; Heart, soul and senses need you, one and all. I droop without your full, frank sympathy; We ought to be together—you and I; We want each other so, to comprehend The dream, the hope, things planned, or seen, or wrought. Companion, comforter and guide and friend, As much as love asks love, does thought ask thought. Life is so short, so fast the lone hours fly, We ought to be together, you and I.”

“I swear to the Lord,I still can't see,Why Democracy means,Everybody but me. ”

“MilitantLet all who willEat quietly the bread of shame.I cannot,Without complaining loud and long,Tasting its bitterness in my throatAnd feeling to my very soulIt's wrong.For honest workYou proffer me poor pay,For honest dreamsYour spit is in my face,And so my fist is clenchedToday--To strike your face.”

“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!”

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

“I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face.”