When you turn the cornerAnd you run into yourselfThen you know that you have turnedAll the corners that are left Langston Hughes poet and novelist, was born on 1 February 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. The meaning of this short poem is twofold, in my opinion.1 In our lives we all look for changes when we… Read More Final Curve
The title of John Howard Griffin’s book, “Black Like Me”, where he gave readers a courageous view of the Jim Crow South, was taken from the last line of the poem “Dream variations” by Langston Hughes (You can find it here: “Dream Variations” ) A few quotes from the book: 🟥“He who is less than… Read More “Black Like Me” 📕
“Life Is Fine” – by Langston Hughes (1949) I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn’t, So I jumped in and sank. I came up once and hollered! I came up twice and cried! If that water hadn’t a-been so cold I might’ve sunk and… Read More A poem: “Life Is Fine”
I, TOO by Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They’ll… Read More Dreams (6): I, TOO
MINSTREL MAN – by Langston Hughes Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think I suffer after I have held my pain So long? Because my mouth Is wide with laughter, You do not hear My inner cry? Because my feet Are gay with dancing,… Read More MINSTREL MAN
HARLEM by Langston Hughes What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?… Read More Dreams (5): HARLEM- DREAM DEFERRED
DREAM VARIATIONS (by Langston Hughes) To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening Beneath a tall tree While night comes on gently, Dark like me- That is my dream! To fling my arms wide In… Read More Dreams (4): DREAM VARIATIONS
THE DREAM KEEPER (by Langston Hughes) Bring me all of your dreams, You dreamer, Bring me all your Heart melodies That I may wrap them In a blue cloud-cloth Away from the too-rough fingers Of the world. This poem deals with the importance of dreams (called “heart melodies”) their fragility and the need to protect… Read More Dreams (3): THE DREAM KEEPER
DREAMS Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. James Mercer Langston Hughes ( 1902 –1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Missouri. He was… Read More Dreams (2) – Langston Hughes
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