Here's why:
* Lack of traditional structure: It doesn't follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter.
* Natural speech patterns: The poem uses the rhythms and cadences of everyday speech.
* Focus on content: The poem prioritizes the direct expression of its themes and emotions over adhering to formal poetic structures.
While not technically a "free verse" poem, it also has elements of a blues poem. The poem captures the tone and rhythm of the blues with its focus on hardship, struggle, and a desire for a better life.
Ultimately, the poem's genre is a combination of free verse and blues, creating a powerful and authentic portrayal of African American life in the early 20th century.