Section: «Poems»
Verse (ancient Greek ὁ στίχος — row, structure), a term in versification used in several meanings:
artistic speech organized by division into rhythmically commensurate segments; poetry in the narrow sense; in particular, it implies the properties of versification of a particular tradition ("antique verse", "Akhmatova's verse", etc.);
a line of poetic text organized according to a certain rhythmic pattern ("My uncle of the most honest rules").
Harlem [dream Deferred]
What happens to a dream deferred?Does it dry uplike a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore—And then run?Does it stink like rotten meat?Or crust..
© Langston Hughes
Po' Boy Blues
When I was home deSunshine seemed like gold.When I was home deSunshine seemed like gold.Since I come up North deWhole damn world's turned cold.I was..
© Langston Hughes
Acceptance
God in His infinite wisdomDid not make me very wise-So when my actions are stupidThey hardly take God by surprise
© Langston Hughes
To Artina
I will take you heart.I will take your soul out of your bodyAs though I were God.I will not be satisfiedWith the touch of your handNor the sweet of..
© Langston Hughes
Night Funeral In Harlem
Night funeralIn Harlem:Where did they getThem two fine cars?Insurance man, he did not pay--His insurance lapsed the other day--Yet they got a satin..
© Langston Hughes
Jazzonia
Oh, silver tree!Oh, shining rivers of the soul!In a Harlem cabaretSix long-headed jazzers play.A dancing girl whose eyes are boldLifts high a dress..
© Langston Hughes
I Dream A World
I dream a world where manNo other man will scorn,Where love will bless the earthAnd peace its paths adornI dream a world where allWill know sweet..
© Langston Hughes
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© Langston Hughes
Quiet Girl
I would liken youTo a night without starsWere it not for your eyes.I would liken youTo a sleep without dreamsWere it not for your songs.
© Langston Hughes
The Blues
When the shoe strings breakOn both your shoesAnd you're in a hurry-That's the blues.When you go to buy a candy barAnd you've lost the dime you..
© Langston Hughes
50-50
I'm all alone in this world, she said,Ain't got nobody to share my bed,Ain't got nobody to hold my hand—The truth of the matter'sI ain't got no..
© Langston Hughes
The Weary Blues
Droning a drowsy syncopated tune,Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon,I heard a Negro play.Down on Lenox Avenue the other nightBy the pale dull..
© Langston Hughes
Still Here
been scarred and battered.My hopes the wind done scattered.Snow has friz me,Sun has baked me,Looks like between 'em they doneTried to make meStop..
© Langston Hughes
Problems
2 and 2 are 4.4 and 4 are 8.But what would happenIf the last 4 was late?And how would it beIf one 2 was me?Or if the first 4 was youDivided by 2?
© Langston Hughes
Merry-Go-Round
Where is the Jim Crow sectionOn this merry-go-round,Mister, cause I want to ride?Down South where I come fromWhite and coloredCan't sit side by..
© Langston Hughes
Juke Box Love Song
I could take the Harlem nightand wrap around you,Take the neon lights and make a crown,Take the Lenox Avenue busses,Taxis, subways,And for your love..
© Langston Hughes
Negro Speaks Of Rivers
I've known rivers:I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than theflow of human blood in human veinsMy soul has grown deep like the rivers.I..
© Langston Hughes
Theme For English B
The instructor said,Go home and writea page tonight.And let that page come out of you--Then, it will be true.I wonder if it's that simple?I am..
© Langston Hughes
Daybreak In Alabama
When I get to be a composerI'm gonna write me some music aboutDaybreak in AlabamaAnd I'm gonna put the purtiest songs in itRising out of the ground..
© Langston Hughes
Dinner Guest: Me
I know I amThe Negro ProblemBeing wined and dined,Answering the usual questionsThat come to white mindWhich seeks demurelyTo Probe in polite wayThe..
© Langston Hughes
My People
The night is beautiful,So the faces of my people.The stars are beautiful,So the eyes of my people.Beautiful, also, is the sun.Beautiful, also, are..
© Langston Hughes
Cultural Exchange
In the Quarter of the NegroesWhere the doors are doors of paperDust of dingy atomsBlows a scratchy sound.Amorphous jack-o'-Lanterns caperAnd the wind..
© Langston Hughes
Justice
That Justice is a blind goddessIs a thing to which we black are wise:Her bandage hides two festering soresThat once perhaps were eyes.
© Langston Hughes
Dream Variations
To fling my arms wideIn some place of the sun,To whirl and to danceTill the white day is done.Then rest at cool eveningBeneath a tall treeWhile night..
© Langston Hughes