Madam's Past History

By Langston Hughes

My name is Johnson--

Madam Alberta K.

The Madam stands for business.

I'm smart that way.

I had a

HAIR-DRESSING PARLOR

Before

The depression put

The prices lower.

Then I had a

BARBECUE STAND

Till I got mixed up

With a no-good man.

Cause I had a insurance

The WPA

Said, We can't use you

Wealthy that way.

I said,

DON'T WORRY 'BOUT ME!

Just like the song,

You WPA folks take care of yourself--

And I'll get along.

I do cooking,

Day's work, too!

Alberta K. Johnson--

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