Langston Hughes: A Harlem Renaisannce Poet

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?

Langston Hughes

 Langton Hughes (February 1, 1902 - May 22, 1967) was born in Joplin, Missouri and was a member of an abolitionist family.

Hughes is most generally associated with the Harlem Renaissance (aka the "New Negro Movement") and became known as quite the prolific writer. The Harlem Renaissance brought many poets, musicians and activits to national prominence and set about a cultural change within Black American society.

Langston Hughes' poetry was deeply influenced by the music of the time. His poetry is deeply syncopated and borrows much of its rhythmic qualities from the jazz music that pervaded the era of the renaissance. The rhythm of the speech of the time pervaded the rhythm and content of the time that Hughes was writing.

His works are pervasive and varied and deeply fantastic. Take a listen here of Hughes reading "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and take a look at his other poetry as well.

Theme for English B

I, Too, Sing America

The Weary Blues 

 Until tomorrow.

xo Jen