by Langston Hughes (1901 - 1967)

Freedom will not come
Language: English 
Freedom 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 my freedom
            Just as you.

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Researcher for this page: Joost van der Linden [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2026-02-20
Line count: 21
Word count: 85