Langston Hughes

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