April 3, 2018
Yesterday’s question about flowers as a topic for Black poets might be answered with today’s poem by Langston Hughes.
I have seen various interpretations of this poem including some that go beyond the obvious juxtaposition of the beautiful with the ugly South in terms of suffering and poverty. They hint at lynchings – stumbling onto the toes of those taken down in the dark. I, of course, have no clue. Like for every other poem of Hughes that I know, though, I revere the sheer power of creating an indelible image with words.
I chose to devote this week to Black poets because of their strength to look into the abyss, not shy away from it, and force us to give it a good look, too. This is not meant to depress, although I grant it is likely a by-product. I want to remind of the voices that are generally not encountered by us as symbols of empowerment, determination and persistence. The 50th anniversary of MLK’s assassination seemed a good benchmark. His voice cannot be unheard.
Sara Lee Silberman
Very moving to be reminded of the Drum Major sermon and to read excerpts of it. For my tastes, MLK was The Hero of 20th U.S. history.
And my appetite for magnolias in Canton has been duly whetted!