Poet, Photographer, Creative
I’ve seen spirits.
Never met them nor spoke.
But been in there company.
We’ve looked eye to figure
Some were even recognizable
Grandmother, Pop, aunt Ethel.
I watched them watch me.
Uninterrupted analysis of each other
I noticed them, they knew me
They’ve watched me grow
Skinny and big ears
Now they see my progress
Tall, healthy as an ox
Their spirits protect me
Guide me
Nurture me
I’ve seen spirits.
Competing constantly to be FIRST
Thinking about it all night, can’t sleep for a SECOND
Get paid the beginning of the month but broke by the THIRD
Stressing more and more henceFORTH
I’m to the point I feel like I need to drink a FIFTH
Drained all 5 senses I’m searching for the SIXTH
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.
Langston Hughes, 1902 – 1967
In 4th grade I recited this poem for a project and since Langston Hughes has always been my favorite poet. If you haven’t already I encourage you to read into his works as well as his history. Hope you all can appreciate this poem as much as I do.
-T.Todd
Too Distinct 