Akasha's blog: "Langston Hughes"

Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor- Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light. So boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now- For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. 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, sing America. LANGSTON HUGHES

I've been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, sun has baked me. Looks like between 'em They done tried to make me Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'- But I don't care! I'm still here! LANGSTON HUGHES

No use in my going Downtown to work today, It's eight, I'm late- And it's marked down that-a-way. Saturday and Sunday's Fun to sport around. But no use denying- Monday'll get you down. That old blue Monday Will surely get you down. LANGSTON HUGHES