Ballads of Lenin

by Langston Hughes

Comrade Lenin of Russia, High in a marble tomb, Move over, Comrade Lenin, And give me room.

I am Ivan, the peasant, Boots all muddy with soil. I fought with you, Comrade Lenin. Now I have finished my toil.

Comrade Lenin of Russia, Alive in a marble tomb, Move over, Comrade Lenin, And make me room.

I am Chico, the Negro, Cutting cane in the sun. I lived for you, Comrade Lenin. Now my work is done.

Comrade Lenin of Russia, Honored in a marble tomb, Move over, Comrade Lenin, And leave me room.

I am Chang from the foundries On strike in the streets of Shanghai. For the sake of the Revolution I fight, I starve, I die.

Comrade Lenin of Russia Speaks from the marble tomb: On guard with the workers forever — The world is our room!