Madam and the Census Man

The census man,

The day he came round,

Wanted my name

To put it down.

I said, JOHNSON,

ALBERTA K.

But he hated to write

The K that way.

He said, What

Does K stand for?

I said, K--

And nothing more.

He said, I'm gonna put it

KÐAÐY.

I said, If you do,

You lie.

My mother christened me

ALBERTA K.

You leave my name

Just that way!

He said, Mrs.,

(With a snort)

Just a K

Makes your name too short.

I said, I don't

Give a damn!

Leave me and my name

Just like I am!

Furthermore, rub out

That MRS., too--

I'll have you know

I'm Madam to you!

This is one of a number of Madam poems by Langston Hughes that can be considered as a lonked series.Madam And The Rent Man http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/70753 Madam And The Census Man http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/show/70755 Madam And Her Madam http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/12621 Madam And The Phone Bill http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/12620 Madam’s Past History http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/70751