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.
This poem is so deep, soulful and full of meaning. Langston Hughes is simply a great wordsmith. I truly enjoy reading all his poems.
poet Langston Hughes #6 on top 500 poets Poet's PagePoemsQuotesCommentsStatsE-BooksBiographyVideosShare on FacebookShare on Twitter Poems by Langston Hughes: 63 / 103 « prev. poem next poem » Negro Speaks Of Rivers - Poem by Langston Hughes Autoplay next video I've known rivers: I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins This poem is one of the best of Hughes poems and one of the best of its time. Philosophy is intermingled with geography, history and sociology. Human anatomy with arts all together in one bunch. the words are simply chosen to serve the idea of freedom and human emancipation from both factors of time and place. It is the freedom of the soul and mind.
I like the poem and it is very well said but a bit difficult in my opinion for a 8th grader to understand the meaning of.
This is still my favorite poem by Langston Hughes. 'I' symbolizes all negroes in different times and places' from ancient Egypt to the American Civil War, 'when Abe Lincoln/ went down to New Orleans, .' What an evocative phrase that is.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
he is truly amazing and magnificent