Who is the audience OR what is the purpose? Are there historical allusions? Are there cultural allusions? Is the tone formal or informal?

Hungry child, I didn’t make this world for you. You didn’t buy any stock in my railroad. You didn’t invest in my corporation. Where are your shares in Standard Oil? I made the world for the rich And the will-be-rich And the have-always been rich. Not for you, hungry child. Langston Hughes

Intended audience is NOT the hungry child. (verbally ironic reversal and sarcasm) Hughes does not only express compassion, he also identifies with the plight of the child. Historical allusion to the capitalistic robber barons of the Industrial Revolution and attack/reaction against their greed

From this valley they say you are leaving We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile For they say you are taking the sunshine That has brightened our path for a while Come and sit by my side if you love me Do not hasten to bid me adieu But remember the Red River Valley And the cowboy that loved you so true.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword His truth is marching on! Julia Ward Howe

People can be so cruel, They hurt you, and desert you They take your soul if you let them So don’t you let them. You just call out my name And you know wherever I am I’ll come running To see you again Winter, spring, summer, or fall All you’ve got to do is call And I’ll be there, you’ve got a friend. James Taylor

Little snail, dreaming you go, Weather and rose is all you know, Weather and rose is all you see, Drinking the dewdrops’ mystery.

Tambourines! Tambourines to the glory of God! A gospel shout and a gospel song: Life is short. But God is Long. Tambourines! Tambourines! Tambourines to glory! Langston Hughes