“I too” “Harlem” “Dreams”

Langston Hughes

By Amina Ahmed

Langston Hughes was born on Feb. 1, 1901 in Joplin, Missouri. His early teen years were spent moving frequently state to state with his family, but he eventually settled in Cleveland, where he began writing most of his poetry. Hughes practiced several different literary art forms, ranging from poetry, novels, and plays, where he depicted both the inherent beauty of Black life as well as its struggles and sorrow. He was an instrumental figure during the Harlem Renaissance and is known for his contributions in jazz poetry, a genre of poetry that emphasizes rhythm and cadence of stanzas and also brings light to jazz artists and performers.

This distinguishable beat and pulse to Hughes’ writing is something I’ve always adored.

“What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore—

And then run?”

It’s both smooth and grating, lulling and agitating. His diction may be simple, but the specific way Hughes connects his words always manages to pack a punch for the reader, forcing them to both be awestruck but also realize the horror and inhumanity Black people have endured.

“Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over—

like a syrupy sweet?”

The vivid imagery in his work is always apparent, speaking to his remarkable work as an artist and ability to evoke strong reactions and emotions while reading, all in order to ensure that the reality and truth of Black life came through. Some of his well-known poems include: “Harlem”, “Dreams”, and “I, Too”. He’s also well known for his play “Mule Bone” which he collaborated on with Zora Neale Hurston, and his debut novel: “Not Without Laughter.”