I’ll end this week with images depicting the state of our nation: things in flux,

despite being trampled down,

Black and White in sharp contrast,

in fragile states,

with darkness trying to suppress light,

with anonymity seeking impunity,

and yet: there are glimpses of bright horizons.

I think that has always been the power of Langston Hughes’ poetry for me: he never gave up the belief that we can initiate change towards a better future. With our very own hands – particularly if we link them to others.

I look at the world

BY LANGSTON HUGHES

I look at the world
From awakening eyes in a black face—
And this is what I see:
This fenced-off narrow space   
Assigned to me.

I look then at the silly walls
Through dark eyes in a dark face—
And this is what I know:
That all these walls oppression builds
Will have to go!

I look at my own body   
With eyes no longer blind—
And I see that my own hands can make
The world that’s in my mind.
Then let us hurry, comrades,
The road to find.

Langston Hughes, “I look at the world” from (New Haven: Beinecke Library, Yale University, )

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There might be a path forward, after all.

And here is how it’s done, young Wynta-Amor showing us the way. Fierceness and belief.

Music today is from an 2014 album that celebrates Hughes’ poetry: Vari-Colored Songs by Leyla McCalla. The song was originally from a KurtWeill/Langston Hughes production Street Scenes.

And here is another of her timely songs, one he would surely have approved of.

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Today would have been Breanna Taylor‘s 27th birthday – another victim of police shootings, in bed, in her own department, with no cause.

May they celebrate you on whatever shore you’ve arrived!