Mother to Son

Poet Langston Hughes was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Today's poem, by Hughes, is a mother to son monologue about racism, and the dark and dangerous staircase that Black Americans must climb instead of the “crystal stair” available to others. The poem is especially relevant this year and for Black History month, although it has meaning across time and place, and on multiple levels. Importantly, it holds forth hope that perseverance and mutual support can help ease a difficult journey, bringing us back to grace under pressure-- the definite theme of the year.

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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.