8 Famous Langston Hughes Poems

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Langston Hughes was one of the most well-known American poets. Born on February 1, 1902, he was raised by his grandmother after his parents’ divorce. Around age 13, he moved to Illinois and lived with his mother and stepfather. 

It was during this time that he started writing poetry. Some of his major influences include Carl Sandburg, Walt Whitman, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar.

The Best Langton Hughes Poems

Below are excerpts from some of Langston Hughes’ most famous poems, with links to the complete texts:

1. Harlem (1951) 

This poem is considered one of his most notable writings, and was written as part of a poem that was book-length, entitled Montage of a Dream Deferred. This portrays a detailed picture of life in Harlem, and looks into the pain of a “dream deferred,” or an unattainable hope: 

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
      like a raisin in the sun?
      Or fester like a sore—
      And then run

2. Let America Be America Again (1936) 

This poem emphasizes the important role that class plays in the realization—or the non-realization—of the American dream. The hopeful tone in the start of the first three stanzas is balanced with the harsh realities that he shows in the parenthetical statements: 

Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.

(It never was America to me.)

3. I, Too, Sing America (1945) 

Similar to his earlier poem Let America Be America Again, in this poem, Hughes confronts the issue of segregation. The short lines give the impression of a casual shrug, but the ideas in them are deep-seated and insightful: 

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.

4. The Weary Blues (1925) 

This poem tells about an African American pianist, first described as almost completely carefree, but it ends on a very sad note, preluded by the lyrics that he sings: 

“I got the Weary Blues
And I can’t be satisfied.
Got the Weary Blues
And can’t be satisfied—
I ain’t happy no mo’
And I wish that I had died.”

5. Po’ Boy Blues (1926) 

Similar to The Weary Blues, this poem has an almost music-like quality thanks to its rhymes and repetition in the stanzas, like the following: 

I was a good boy, 
Never done no wrong.
Yes, I was a good boy,
Never done no wrong.
But this world is weary
An’ de road is hard an’ long.

6. Mother to Son (1922) 

The Crisis published this poem in December 1922. In the poem, Hughes writes a mother’s message to her child talking about their difficulties in life by using the word picture of stairs with “splinters” and “tacks” in it. 

Despite all the struggle, she wraps up with a relentless pushing forward, encouraging her son to keep going: 

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. 

7. Dreams (1922) 

Hughes wrote several poems about dreams, but this was the first one, published in 1922. The poem is short but contains poignant ideas, as seen in the two comparisons to broken dreams: “Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly;” and “Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow.” 

8. The Negro Speaks of Rivers (1921) 

Hughes wrote this poem at 17 years old, when he was taking a train to see his father in Mexico City. This was his first poem that received much attention, having been published in the magazine The Crisis. Take a look at the opening lines and you will appreciate the wisdom despite his young age: 

I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins
My soul has grown deep like the rivers

Langston Hughes’ Legacy

During the 1920s, the literary, artistic and intellectual life of African-Americans enjoyed a significant bloom, earning this period the name Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes was one of the main figures during this time period, having written poems, short stories, novels, plays, and essays. 

As a poet, Hughes told stories of his people. Unlike the other Black poets who were his contemporaries, he focused on reflecting their actual culture, not removing his personal experience from the common experience of the Black community in America. 

His poems include themes such as his people’s love of laughter, music, and language, while not shying away from talking about their suffering, especially of the working-class group. He’s known for making sure he avoided negative stereotypes and sentimental idealization.

Perhaps it was this transparency that won Hughes many critics especially during his early years, as many Black intellectuals felt he was portraying a very unattractive picture of Black life. 

Remembering Langston Hughes

Perhaps one reason why Langston Hughes’ poems speak deeply to our souls is because he’s not afraid to boldly lay out how he feels about the issues that affect his people, especially with his very personal approach.

If you’re looking for more beautiful poetry, check out our list of the best poetry books (which includes one by Hughes). You can also find award-winning books by Black authors.

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