Democracy
Democracy - meaning Summary
Demanding Immediate Equal Rights
Hughes insists that democracy and freedom cannot be postponed nor won through compromise and fear. The speaker rejects complacency and the idea of waiting, asserting equal claim to rights and land now. Freedom is framed as an urgent necessity, a "strong seed" born of need rather than a future luxury. The poem demands immediate, tangible equality and rejects promises of liberty deferred until tomorrow.
Read Complete AnalysesDemocracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear. I have as much right As the other fellow has To stand On my two feet And own the land. I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread. Freedom Is a strong seed Planted In a great need. I live here, too. I want freedom Just as you.
The speaker reminds readers that he is American and deserves the same freedom.
Freedom starts small but grows when people truly need and fight for it.
Freedom is needed now not later. You cannot survive on promises.
He is tired of people telling him to wait for change.
The speaker says he deserves the same rights as anyone else, especially white Americans.
True democracy will not happen if people keep waiting or are afraid to stand up.