It is still Poetry Month

She stands
In the quiet darkness,

This troubled woman

Bowed by

Weariness and pain

Like an

Autumn flower

In the frozen rain,

Like a

Wind-blown autumn flower

That never lifts its head

Again.

April is Poetry Month

I can read Don't You Turn Back, Poems by Langston Hughes over and over (and I have). This book with woodcuts is one of my favorite things that I own. Since it's Poetry Month, I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity to share some of my favorite poems from Langston Hughes.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go
Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

The times are ripe for poets

Poetry is an integral part of the black experience. Every youngster in our community should know something about Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Niki Giovanni or Gil Scott Heron, just to name a few. These poets have chronicled the life and times of the black experience.

Coming out of the Midwest, we have promising poets like Common (from Chicago, shown above), Lyfe Jennings (Toledo) and Kanye (Chicago) who are telling our youth to keep ya head up, things are going to get better. And let's not forget about the neo-soul ladies who also have so much to say, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu or India.Arie.

The times we currently live in bears many fruit for street poets, hopefully they will find the inspiration and nourishment and share it positively.