Mother to Son

Quote of the day:

To be quite oneself one must first waste a little time. Elizabeth Bowen

I was reminded of one of my favorite poems today.

It had been given to me in 1989 by a student because it reminded her of me.

Mother to Son
by 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.

Comments

[Jean]

I love this. I've never read ANY of his poetry and I'm going to start right now. Sorry, people, this is dreadful evidence of how Brits of my generation weren't taught any American literature at school! I did catch up on novels later, but much less so with poetry. I would really not have predicted that blogging and reading blogs would get me reading much more poetry and even making my own attempts (poetry is so low-tech) but it has to be one of the most precious gifts that's come my way on line in the past year...

[Mark Daniels]

This poem reminds me of one of the best lines that has come from preaching in the African-American Church, something I unrepentantly steal in my own preaching: Keep on keepin' on!

I've always loved Hughes! Nice post, Tamar.

[Tamar]

Jean,
I know what you mean. I, too, have discovered so many literary and musical treasures through blogging. Growing up in Rhodesia (British colony) I had a lot of catching up to do about American literature as well. Have always had a soft spot for poetry, though. I am learning a lot about Haiku through the blogosphere and always enjoy your attempts at poetry.

Mark,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I also like that line "keep on keepin' on." I mean, what option do we have?

I'll have to stop by and hear you preach one day. I would love that, actually.

[Joan]

What a lovely poem. I may send it on it's merry way.

[Tamar]

Joan, Thanks for stopping by. I love the picture that comes before the poem. Beautiful website!