From Poetry Foundation —Poetry by one of my favorite poets.
Originally published in 1922
Mother to Son
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Langston Hughes, “Mother to Son” from The Collected Works of Langston Hughes. Copyright © 2002 by Langston Hughes. Reprinted by permission of Harold Ober Associates, Inc.
Source: The Collected Works of Langston Hughes (University of Missouri Press (BkMk Press), 2002)
Have a great week, my friends. Sending blessings.
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I love the poem and Viola Davis, and you. Moving and memorable. The best reading I have ever heard!
Stupendous, right. I’m so glad you appreciated this Kathryn. Bless you dear friend. Good night.
Beautiful, Selma. Thank you for sharing this powerful read. ❤️
It’s my pleasure—really it is. Especially glad it’s appreciated this much. Bless you. Xoxo
Such a good write.
It is so beautiful and the reading spectacular
Thanks for appreciating, VJ
My pleasure
I loved this and the wisdom behind it, Selma. Xo
Happy you loved it, dear friend. It’s beautiful poem and reading indeed.
The bond between mother and son, cannot be broken.
Beautiful poem. Beautiful bond. Xoxo
True, being a mum is amazing.
A favorite, yes! 💞 Thanks for sharing, Selma.
Absolutely a pleasure 🙇🏽♀️ 💕
🥰🙏🏻
Very moving. Thanks Selma. (K)
Do happy to hear you say so. Blessings.
Really love the poem. Very nice words use in poem. This poem write for motivation. Reading Indeed sound. Selma!
Such a beautiful and moving poem. Thanks for sharing Selma
Thanks for reading, Sadje.
Most welcome 💕
I adore Viola Davis and what a beautiful poem.
Viola like no other. Xoxo happy you enjoyed it like me.