Mother to Son

BY LANGSTON HUGHES

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.

Source: The Collected Works of Langston Hughes (University of Missouri Press (BkMk Press), 2002)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/5L-kKxePGqA?si=S1iLstZKhr081wkp

Have a great week, my friends. Sending blessings.

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Selma Martin

I’m a simple woman who dares to see the beauty in ordinary. I’d love to connect with you and like pen pals, I want something beautiful to blossom between us. Will you join me? Selma is my middle name. Its meaning—peaceful, complete, are euphoric affirmations I like to think of myself as having. They compliment the joy I feel when I write. I sincerely hope you decide to join me on my writing journey. I Wish You Miracles.

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This Post Has 23 Comments

Kathryn LeRoy March 12, 2024 Reply

I love the poem and Viola Davis, and you. Moving and memorable. The best reading I have ever heard!
1. Selma Martin March 12, 2024 Reply
  
  Stupendous, right. I’m so glad you appreciated this Kathryn. Bless you dear friend. Good night.
Gwen M. Plano March 13, 2024 Reply

Beautiful, Selma. Thank you for sharing this powerful read. ❤️
1. Selma Martin March 13, 2024 Reply
  
  It’s my pleasure—really it is. Especially glad it’s appreciated this much. Bless you. Xoxo
VJ March 13, 2024 Reply

Such a good write.
1. Selma Martin March 13, 2024 Reply
  
  It is so beautiful and the reading spectacular
  Thanks for appreciating, VJ
  1. VJ March 13, 2024 Reply
    
    My pleasure
D.L. Finn, Author March 13, 2024 Reply

I loved this and the wisdom behind it, Selma. Xo
1. Selma Martin March 13, 2024 Reply
  
  Happy you loved it, dear friend. It’s beautiful poem and reading indeed.
writerravenclaw March 13, 2024 Reply

The bond between mother and son, cannot be broken.
1. Selma Martin March 13, 2024 Reply
  
  Beautiful poem. Beautiful bond. Xoxo
  1. writerravenclaw March 14, 2024 Reply
    
    True, being a mum is amazing.
Michele Lee March 13, 2024 Reply

A favorite, yes! 💞 Thanks for sharing, Selma.
1. Selma Martin March 13, 2024 Reply
  
  Absolutely a pleasure 🙇🏽‍♀️ 💕
  1. Michele Lee March 13, 2024 Reply
    
    🥰🙏🏻
memadtwo March 13, 2024 Reply

Very moving. Thanks Selma. (K)
1. Selma Martin March 13, 2024 Reply
  
  Do happy to hear you say so. Blessings.
rajkkhoja March 13, 2024 Reply

Really love the poem. Very nice words use in poem. This poem write for motivation. Reading Indeed sound. Selma!
Sadje March 13, 2024 Reply

Such a beautiful and moving poem. Thanks for sharing Selma
1. Selma Martin March 14, 2024 Reply
  
  Thanks for reading, Sadje.
  1. Sadje March 14, 2024 Reply
    
    Most welcome 💕
Maria Michaela March 15, 2024 Reply

I adore Viola Davis and what a beautiful poem.
1. Selma Martin March 15, 2024 Reply
  
  Viola like no other. Xoxo happy you enjoyed it like me.