Madam’s Past History

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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.

© Langston Hughes