Democracy

Langston Hughes

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