Dream Variations
To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me -
That is my dream!
To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening...
A tall, slim tree...
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.
I hope you know that you are beautiful, too.
Langston Hughes - 1902-1967
Hold fast to dreams
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me -
That is my dream!
To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening...
A tall, slim tree...
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.
Click on the link above for a joyful celebration of unity
Langston Hughs wrote poems about the experiences of black Americans during the last century. From the 1920's until his death in 1967, he was revered for his inspiring and powerful poetry. You can find many of his books for children at KidWorldCitizen.org.
He wrote "(we) now intend to express our dark-skinned selves without fear or shame... We know we are beautiful."
I hope you know that you are beautiful, too.
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.
* Hold fast to dreams
For when we do
We may find our best dreams
Coming true.
* These verses were added by Margot's 2019 middle grade LA/SS class
