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 