Langston Hughes

Madam's Past History

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