Poem - "Minstrel Man" by Langston Hughes

"Minstrel Man" 
by Langston Hughes


Because my mouth



Is wide with laughter



And my throat



Is deep with song,

You do not think

I suffer after

I have held my pain

So long?

Because my mouth

Is wide with laughter,

You do not hear

My inner cry?

Because my feet

Are gay with dancing,

You do not know

I die?