Mother To Son Poem by Langston Hughes
Mother To Son
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.
i love your poem it teaches us that no matter what we go through in life bucause its going to be hard we can't give up on life or on the challenges it throws at you
This poem is not only toching and inspiring, the imagery is amazing. The juxtaposition of the smoothness of the crystal stair with the tacks. I've read this poem for over 40 years and it still conjures up incredible images - in the most simple way.
Maybe if African-Americans (specifically males) actually realized how much their ancestors suffered 'back-in-the-day' they'd actually take the time to become something more in their lives instead of sinking to violence and drugs, etc.This poem and 'The Negro Mother' has definately inspired me to become Something in my life...to make all my ancestors and all the Black people who died for me to have the privledges that I have now, proud.
I first came across this poem in a GED class, and it has been so pivocal in my life, it was times when I wanted to give up, but that wasn't an option because I had a son to raise, so I thank God for his love, strength and help.
Serves a reminder to young children that don't expect life to be easy. There ain't easy life.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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6/5/2026 8:33:46 PM # 1.0.0
I like your poem. It is very touchies