We're All in the Telephone Book

We’re all in the telephone book,
Folks from everywhere on earth–
Anderson to Zabowski,
It’s a record of America’s worth.

We’re all in the telephone book,
There’s no priority–
A millionaire like Rockefeller
Is likely to be behind me.

For generations men have dreamed
Of nations united as one.
Just look in your telephone book
To see where that dream’s begun.

When Washington crossed the Deleware
And the pillars of tyranny shook,
He started the list of democracy
That’s America’s telephone book.

 

Langston Hughes, 125 Poems that Celebrate the American Experience, Carmela Ciuraru, ed. (Scribner Poetry, 2002)