Langston Hughes

I didn't tell nobody I was going to be a poet, 'cause I knew they wouldn't understand.

I'm goin' to write poetry. That's what I'm goin' to do when I grow up.

If you want to laugh, you got to learn to smile first.

I'm goin' to write me a funny one, and I bet it'll be good, too.

I want to be a poet, too, Grandma.

Poetry's the most important thing in the world.

I like to make folks laugh, and that's why I'm goin' to be a poet and write funny poems.

I always wanted to be a poet, too. But I guess I ain't smart enough.

You got to laugh sometimes, 'cause the world ain't a funny place. If you don't laugh, you'll go crazy.

I want to make folks laugh, 'cause we need to laugh. We need it bad.

I'm goin' to write me a funny poem about God, and I bet it'll be good, too.

I ain't never heard of a black poet. Are there any?