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