Madam and The Rent Man

The rent man knocked.

He said,

Howdy-do?

I said,

Can I do for you?

He said,

You

Your rent is due.

I said,

Listen,

Before I'd payI'd go to Hades And rot away!

The sink is broke,

The water don't run,

And you ain't done a

You promised to've done.

Back window's cracked,

Kitchen floor squeaks,

There's rats in the cellar,

And the attic leaks.

He said,

Madam,

It's not up to me.

I'm just the agent,

Don't you see?

I said,

Naturally,

You pass the buck.

If it's money you

You're out of luck.

He said,

Madam,

I ain't pleased!

I said,

Neither am I.

So we agrees!

This is one of a number of Madam poems by Langston Hughes that can be considered as a linked series.

Madam And The Rent Man Madam And The Census Man Madam And Her Madam Madam And The Phone Bill Madam’s Past History This one is taken from

HE

ED

MS OF

ON

ES by Langston Hughes, 1994 by The Estate of Langston Hughes.

The header graphic is an illustration from the Liberation News Service, the late 1970's.