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
K – A – Y
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!