The Negro Speaks of Rivers—Langston Hughes
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The Negro Speaks of Rivers
by Langston Hughes
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.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans,
and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
I’ve known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash
I can see why it was thus. It is a poem with a profound meaning. Yes, the river and what it has been for so many people. But the thought here goes beyond it. Much could be said about this touching poem.
Love Hughes. Had not read this one. So rich.