Langston Hughes

Harlem

Jacob Lawrence, 1946

Watercolor on paper

 I read a collection of Langston Hughes poetry and a book on the Harlem Renaissance last month. This poem is one of my favorites. Enjoy!

This is a song for the genius child.
Sing it softly, for the song is wild.
Sing it softly as ever you can -
Lest the song get out of hand.
Nobody loves a genius child.
Can you love an eagle,
Tame or wild?
Can you love an eagle,
Wild or tame?
Can you love a monster
Of frightening name?
Nobody loves a genius child.
Kill him - and let his soul run wild.
Langston Hughes