Langston Hughes
Madam and the Minister
Reverend Butler came by
My house last week
He said, Have you got
A little time to speak?
He said, I am interested
In your soul
Has it been saved
Or is your heart stone-cold?
I said, Reverend
I’ll have you know
I was baptized
Long ago
He said, What have you
Done since then?
I said, None of your
Business, friend
He said, Sister
Have you back-slid?
I said, It felt good–
If I did!
He said, Sister
Come time to die
The Lord will surely
Ask you why!
I’m gonna pray
For you!
Goodbye!
I felt kinder sorry
I talked that way
After Rev. Butler
Went away–
So I ain’t in no mood
For sin today