The Negro Speaks of Rivers is one of Langston Hughes’ best-known poems. It forms part of the whole gamut of African-American Literature. In fact, this poem is the first acclaimed literary work coming from Langston Hughes.
It is, nonetheless, the only poem written by Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes has written other poems such as Harlem (published 1951) also known as Dream Deferred.
But my purpose for this post is to show you the full text of the poem.
When was The Negro Speaks of Rivers written?
The poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers was written in 1920 when Langston Hughes was 17 years old. He wrote it at the time he was crossing the Mississippi River on a journey to visit his father in Mexico.
The poem was published in June 1921 in a magazine called ‘The Crisis’. The Crisis happened to be a publication from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
What is The Negro Speaks of Rivers About?
The Negro Speaks of Rivers is about the long and tortuous journey of Africans and African-Americans starting from the birth of mankind and civilization (Euphrates) to their present condition (Mississippi). I
n his poem, Langston Hughes creates a connection between the soul and cultural heritage of people of African descent and four great rivers from the Middle East (Euphrates), through Africa (Congo and Nile) and to the Americas (Mississippi)
The Central Idea (theme)
The main idea or theme of The Negro Speaks of Rivers is a celebration of the pride of Africans in their cultural heritage over multiple generations. It also emphasizes the deep connection that has existed between all peoples of African descent and nature.
Note that the rivers that the poet refers to symbolize this close connection between people of African descent and nature.
Are you ready to read and digest all the lines of The Negro Speaks of Rivers line by line? Then go ahead and do so right away.
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The Negro Speaks of Rivers – Line by Line
I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and than the flow of human blood in veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down it.
New Orleans and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
I’ve known rivers
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
Final thoughts
Did you enjoy the lines of this poem? You can find many other poems that have won global recognition here
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