Harlem Night Song by Langston Hughes

Harlem Night Song
by Langston Hughes

Come,
Let us roam the night together
Singing.

I love you.

Across
The Harlem roof-tops
Moon is shining
Night sky is blue.
Stars are great drops
Of golden dew.
In the cabaret
The jazz-band's playing.

I love you.

Come,
Let us roam the night together
Singing.


Source: from The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes (Alfred A. Knopf, 1926)

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes

Today's the last day of National Poetry Month and to cap off the month, I decided to share one last poem.  This is one of my favorites.  I actually hadn't thought about it in awhile, but after a talk I had with my mom the other day - well, it resonated with me even more.  You see, my  mom shared about some ugly moments that she and my aunt endured as housekeepers.  They were asked to eat in the kitchen - so to speak.  Although in my aunt's case, she was told to eat outside.  Thinking about what they went through made me think of this Hughes' poem, and it made me think of a lot of other things - but that is for another day and forum.  Anyhow, here's the poem:

I, Too, Sing America
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 see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed -

I, too, am America.

Dreams by Langston Hughes

Dreams
by Langston Hughes

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.