Langston Hughes Cyber-Assignment post
Today in class we celebrated poet, playwright, novelist, short story writer and essayist, Langston Hughes (1902-1967). Langston Hughes in Encyclopedia Britannica is noted as "one of the foremost interpreters to the world of the black experience in the United States." This is shown by the "astonishing number of books still in print: twenty-seven volumes," when he died. This is certainly evidence of his "great popularity with readers of all ages and races" (Writing with a Thesis 50).
Several students from both classes brought in poetry to share, which they read and/or recited. Students were then asked to reflect on their poems in a freewrite which should be posted here. If you didn't have a poem and want to participate in this assignment, you can do so now.
Other students read a selection from Alehouse 2009, which has a drawing of Hughes on the cover. Post those responses here as well.
Still other students wrote about whatever they felt like writing about. In the second class (9-9:50) some students reflected on Half the Sky (trying in their reading with a Hughes' poem or not (smile).
Today in class we celebrated poet, playwright, novelist, short story writer and essayist, Langston Hughes (1902-1967). Langston Hughes in Encyclopedia Britannica is noted as "one of the foremost interpreters to the world of the black experience in the United States." This is shown by the "astonishing number of books still in print: twenty-seven volumes," when he died. This is certainly evidence of his "great popularity with readers of all ages and races" (Writing with a Thesis 50).
Several students from both classes brought in poetry to share, which they read and/or recited. Students were then asked to reflect on their poems in a freewrite which should be posted here. If you didn't have a poem and want to participate in this assignment, you can do so now.
Other students read a selection from Alehouse 2009, which has a drawing of Hughes on the cover. Post those responses here as well.
Still other students wrote about whatever they felt like writing about. In the second class (9-9:50) some students reflected on Half the Sky (trying in their reading with a Hughes' poem or not (smile).
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 3:21 PM
32 Comments:
Ruby Holt-Roth
English 1A
9:00-9:50am
I chose to reflect on the introduction and first chapter of Half the Sky. This section focuses on how women in foreign countries are being oppressed, sexually solicited, and even tortured into compliance. I feel that the brutal treatment of women over seas has been over looked for far too long. In order for these countries to progress, women must be treated equally and seen as people not objects. I read that women in other countries are aborting female fetuses and letting female infants die due to the widely held belief that a girl is not as valuable as a boy; this is causing a disproportionate male to female ratio. I can't help but see this notion as grossly illogical as women must give birth to boys in the first place so aborting future mothers seems to defeat the purpose. I feel that education is one way in which women may be liberated from the highly chauvinistic concept that women are not worthy of the same benefits men are entitled to. If women were granted the freedom they deserve to reach their full potential, these countries would advance at an accelerated rate. Raising children in a liberated and ethical nation would secure the countries fate and protect future generations from tyranny.
Christopher Kerr
English 1A
9:00-9:50a
Dream Deferred Reflection:
I remember when I had to recite this poem in high school. I honestly couldn't tell you why I chose it. I guess because it related to me as far as me, and wanting to pursue a career in music back then. Music was pretty much my dream job, because I use to play music everyday, I lived and breathed music. As a young teenager who found something that made them happy, I pictured myself pursing my dream and living as a musician in San Fransisco. But as I got closer to college years I had to put music "dreams" aside and choose a more suitable career choice. Which is why Hughes really hit home for me in this poem, its all about wondering what happens to your dreams when you are forced to stop chasing them. I always wonder what would have happened if I had of went to an art college and really committed myself, sometimes I wish I had of just done what I wanted to do, and not what everyone else wanted me to do. But the good thing about dreams is it is never too late to go and chase them.
Ivorionda Owens
English 1A
2/1/10
response to angston hushes as i grew older:
I feel like the metaphors in langston hughes poem as i grew older, were clearly given and easy to understand. Him feeling like his dreams are fading or being taken away from him is simple enough to relate to. Using a wall as a metaphor of something that is stopping you and hard to get past, is how a lot of people feel about their dreams, like something is stopping or holding them back, but still they want to strive to get there.
David Atchison
2/1/2010
English 1A 9-9:50
Reflection
The poem I read was called Theme for English B by Langston Hughes; this is one of my favorite poems by him. The poem helps me understand how life was in the 1940’s for a young black college student. Theme for English B made me think of what would I would have of wrote if I was in his place, I know it wouldn’t be anything as good as what Langston Hughes wrote. Mr. Hughes words gave me a picture of a young black man in a class room with all white students and having to write a paper about who he is. I like the way how he said how he is the same as the whites. I really enjoyed reading that poem and I would recommend everyone to read it at least once.
Jennie Lo
9:00-9:50am
English 1A
My favorite Poetry
I like this one, it is a very simple one and with a very original feeling. When I read this poetry, I have a pure and clean sensation and it is just like a fresh air from the book.
Immaculate Conception
By Robert Allen, Jr. (Alehouse 2009)
Coming
From
Himself
To
Be
Himself
He
Took
A
Piece
Of
Himself
And
Breathed
Himself
Into
Himself
English 1A
8:00-8:50
SunJungPark
As I Grew Older
It was a long time ago.
I have almost forgotten my dream
.
But it was there then,
In front of me,
Bright like a sun--
My dream.
And then the wall rose,
Rose slowly,
Slowly,
Between me and my dream.
Rose until it touched the sky--
The wall.
Shadow.
I am black.
I lie down in the shadow.
No longer the light of my dream before me,
Above me.
Only the thick wall.
Only the shadow.
My hands!
My dark hands!
Break through the wall!
Find my dream!
Help me to shatter this darkness,
To smash this night,
To break this shadow
Into a thousand lights of sun,
Into a thousand whirling dreams
Of sun!
Langston Hughes
I like this pome why he wrote about real nature and his life.
I feel good and peaceful. He had good dream from outside envirment.
Jade Hooker
English 1a
8-8:50
1, februrary 2010
In the AleHouse poetry book, I found one poem in particular to be my favorite. Boy with a lost Shoe (54), by Amy Miller is a mysterious poem that I do not fully understand, but this is what makes it so mysterious. By reading the first line, it's as if a mother is having a nostalgic thought about her son who I figured has pasted away. Then as the poem progresses, it's as if he's still living until I read line 15 and i figured the boy lost not only his shoe, but aslo his life as a truck ran a red light. Maybe I comprehended the poem incorrectly, but I felt as houugh this was my favorite poem to read in Alehouse so far.
Jade Hooker
English 1a
8-8:50
I agreee with Jennie. I liked the Poem by Robert Allen Jr. as well. It's very simplistic yet it has alot of meaning about what one can find out about themselves just by testing themself.
Phil Redd
MTWTH 8-9am
I do not enjoy reading other peoples poetry. I equate open to interpitation as open to miscommunication. I also don't place much value on emotional expression. (I'm sure my insensativity will provide a great counterview to many of the topics planned for this class)
I didn't want to read a poem and write about how boring and meaningless it was. Instead I choose to write one of my own for the free writing option.
I belive abstract and emotional content ruin most poems. This is intended to be an anti-poem. To refect my view of poetry, I made my poem meaningless and without depth on purpose. There is no emotion, no story to tell, no symbolism to interpret, no relections on life, and no rhyme or rythem. I belive people should say exactly what they mean and my poem is a tribute to literalism.
The Title of my poem is called "FREE WRITING ASSIGNMENT"
What the hell is a free write? Nothing is free.
Am I sposed to write something of little to no value? If thats what you want I can give it to you.
"How is the wheather? Do you like (insert local sports team here)? Water is wet."
Maybe you mean freeform. Free of structure and cohearancy. In which case I am making way to much sense.
"I that now stop, sense of the making, blah, blah, blah pbthhhhth!"
I could write some hippie crap about being free.
"Running threw the woods naked with my long hair, I looked for a tree to hug."
Something could be lost in the context. What if I missed something said that changes the meaning, and changes it to a question.
"Fincial Aid money is free, right?"
Maybe I just needed to write whatever, to complete the assignment. In that case I am done, because I'm out of paper.
(you asked for us to comment here about the fieldtrip. Since you asked, I vote a strong no on this one. I would not pay $10.00 to hear someone's opinion on race and racisim, but I would pay $10.00 if they would keep it to themselves. Also I am afraid god will smite me in his church for my lack of religious tolerance and mockery)
Shewit Michael
English 1A 8-8:50am
Freewrite: "At First Glance" by Allison Joseph
-This poem is really interesting. She is talkin about what she wants in a man by first glance. Hence the title. She explains what type woman she is in a creative. She explains that she doesnt want someone to approach her with the outdated lines "so ancient your great-grandmother thinks they're played." In a way, she is making fun of men and their methods on how to get women.
I really relate to the line, "when you see me, extend your metaphor" because I am so much more than what meets the eye. I also took this quote as her telling men that "when you approach me, be creative and sincere." Either way, I understnad and relate to this quote. It's interesting how someone can write such a creative yet blunt poem about the interaction between a man and a woman.
Joshua Duong
Eng 1A 8-8:50 am
Democracy by Langston Hughes
Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.
I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.
I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.
I feel this poem relates to me the most out of all the other Langston Hughes poems I've read. It relates to me in an indirect way because this poem shows me that if you want to become successful in life, you must take the initiative. You can't just sit back and, like in his poem says, "Let things take their course," because if you don't take action towards our own goal, the "course" that life will take you might not be the path you want to go down.
Crystal Cortez
English 1A
8:00-8:50AM
Free Write to Langston Hughes, "Theme For English B"
I choose to write my free write on the poem a fellow student read in class. He read “Theme for English B”, by Langston Hughes. I think it is a pretty good poem from Hughes collection of poems. In this poem he explain how he has been given an assignment by his English teacher. The assignment was for him to talk about himself, so in his poem he talk about how he is a young 22 year old black man, in college. Who lives in the colored neighborhood of Harlem. The most interesting part of and of course, the part that grabbed my attention is how he writes that even though he is a colored man there is some white in his assignment. The reason he mentions that is because he says that there is a part of his instructor in his assignment making it a little white. After reading that section of his poem I came to think and wonder how his instructor would feel have or did feel after reading his poem/assignment. Was he mad, or did he even care that Hughes mention that there was some white is his assignment. The reason I think that his teacher would have got made is because he wrote his poem during the Harlem Renaissances Era. There was still a lot of discrimination with whites and blacks. But over all this is one of his good poems when one thinks about an English class.
-Original Poem
I choose to write my free write on the poem a fellow student read in class. He read “Theme for English B”, by Langston Hughes. I think it is a pretty good poem from Hughes collection of poems. In this poem he explain how he has been given an assignment by his English teacher. The assignment was for him to talk about himself, so in his poem he talk about how he is a young 22 year old black man, in college. Who lives in the colored neighborhood of Harlem. The most interesting part of and of course, the part that grabbed my attention is how he writes that even though he is a colored man there is some white in his assignment. The reason he mentions that is because he says that there is a part of his instructor in his assignment making it a little white. After reading that section of his poem I came to think and wonder how his instructor would feel have or did feel after reading his poem/assignment. Was he mad, or did he even care that Hughes mention that there was some white is his assignment. The reason I think that his teacher would have got made is because he wrote his poem during the Harlem Renaissances Era. There was still a lot of discrimination with whites and blacks. But over all this is one of his good poems when one thinks about an English class.
Zaidea Magpoc
English 1A 9-9:50am
Langston Hughes' poem
This was published in The Nation in 1926 and entitled The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain:
The younger Negro artists who create now intend to express
our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame.
If white people are pleased we are glad. If they are not,
it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful. And ugly, too.
The tom-tom cries, and the tom-tom laughs. If colored people
are pleased we are glad. If they are not, their displeasure
doesn't matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow,
strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain
free within ourselves.
I like this writing for it showed us that everyone has the right to convey their feelings, ideas and thoughts regardless of the color of their skin. It showed that everyone is equal, white people or colored people. It emphasized that you don't have to please everyone. Because no matter how hard you try, people will always have something to say to you, it may be positive or negative.
English 1A Julian Shipnuck
9-9:50
Langston Hughes: Dreams response
The poem that I decided to do was Dreams by Langston Hughes. I don’t remember the first time I heard this poem read but I have been exposed to this one in particular for a while. This poem is a short one, but it is a strong poem that speaks to every body in its’ own way. I think that the basic message of the entire poem for me is to work towards your dreams, because without any dreams life is boring and dull. In Langston Hughes memory, I think this poem is perfect. I think its perfect because Hughes never put a boundary on his dreams and through his talents gave people words that empower the human mind.
Peter Kortmann
Professor Sabir
English 1A
M-Th 9-10
“Merry-Go-Round” By Langston Hughes
Where is the Him Crow section
On this merry-go-round,
Mister, Cause I want to ride?
Down South Where I come from
White and colored can’t
Sit side by side.
Down South on the train
There’s a Jim Crow car.
On the bus we’re put in the back-
But there ain’t no back
To a merry-go-round!
Where’s the horse
For a back kid?
Langston Hughes writes his poem from a child’s perspective; one that is simple minded and can’t understand the complexity of racism. The kid can’t understand something that is not segregated, like a merry-go-round which has no front, nor a back. He mockingly asks where the horse is for a black kid, shedding light on the very serious subject of segregation. A kid’s point of view is very simple and has yet to develop biases; the kid just does what they were taught. So the kid runs into a loop hole and wonders why segregation doesn’t apply to a merry-go-round if it applies to everything else. Langston Hughes attempted to really identify the social injustices going on at that time, but present them in a new and fresh form that made people really think about what was going on in the country as far as whites and blacks. I chose the poem because it struck a chord with me and I think it addressed a very important issue that was going on, and the fact that it was told by an innocent kid really got me.
Veronica Flores
Professor Sabir
M-TH 9-9:50
My people by Langston Hughes
The night is beautiful
So the faces of my people
The stars are beautiful
So the eyes of my people
Beautiful, also, the sun
Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people
Reflection:
I believe Langston Hughes is a pure soul, seeking acceptance for all. Everyone is beautiful, regardless of who they are or what they look like. I feel as if he is proud to be the person he is. He is confident in his skin, and those of his “people”. When reading this poem, I feel he is telling me to embrace myself and who I am. I think if you have trouble accepting who you are, you will never find true happiness. Although the poem was short, I feel as if it speaks a lot. We need to learn to love each other, regardless of how different we might be. This poem has definitely touched me. It reassures me of myself, and to never question who I am. I am beautiful, and also the souls of my people.
Victor Ani
English 1A
2/1/10
Hello professor Wanda Sabir,
The name of this Langston Hughes poem is called life is fine. I found this poem to be very interesting. He talks about if he should drown himself and die for lover but then he thought to himself that he was born to live. Therefore, he stayed above ground and lived. The poem was ended on a nice note saying “Life is fine! Fine as Wine! Life is fine!”
Kimthuy Tran
English 1A
Homework: Reflection
Poetry is a language that is so hard for me to be able to understand its profound idea. In the “ Alehouse 2009” book, I find a poem that is somehow tough to my heart. Here is the poem:
Divorce
One, two spoons in bed,
Now tined forks
Across a granite table
And the knives they have hired.
Written by Billy Collins
The author used simple objects such as spoons, forks, table, and knives to describe a break up marriage. From the poem, I learn that two spoons is like a couple, but when their love is lost, the couple is considered as “tined forks” which can harm each other. In addition, I think the knives will be divorce paper or lawyers that can end their relationship. However, I am not sure whether “ a granite table” means as a table or a place where the couple come to signing their divorce paper.
Lisa Huey
English 1A
9:00-9:50
I chose to reflect on "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.
I like this poem the most because I can relate to it. Life for me ain't been no crystal stair either. My parents are divorced, my dad didn't pay child support, neither of my parents bought me anything nor paid for anything. I worked since I was 9 years old, while attending school. I moved out when I was 18 and have been struggling with paying rent and paying tuition. I used to attend S.F. State but I dropped out because I couldn't pay the tuition. But like the poem, I didn't give up either. I'm still going to school and paying my rent and life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Jeff Cornelius
English 1A
0900-0850
Response to Crystal Cortez: Thank you for choosing to do your free write on the poem I chose to read in class. I enjoy hearing how people interpret what is read, and how they come up whith what is important to them. If anyone reads all of these feel free to respond as there is really no right and wron only ones oppinions.
Jeff Cornelius
Engilsh 1A
0800-0850
Langston Hughes free write. I posted my poem and free write in the previous blog. Just want to cover my a**
Life is Fine
By Langston Hughes
In the poem, “Life is Fine,” written by Langston Hughes he reveals such torment and humor to life. The character written in the poem is in distraught from the lost of love.
Completely tortured from the thought of life without her and attempts to commit suicide.
Various ways he’s tried to kill himself but too many things kept him away from death. The man takes a twisted turn near the end of the poem. He started out miserable wanting to die. But in the course of his trial and error he realizes she is not worth his anguish. Refusing to give her that satisfaction of a broken heart. He decides to live on.
The poem speaks of life. No matter how bad things can get or all the punches life throws at you, Life goes on. His poetry is humorous even in the moment suffering. It shows me that life will take you to all these places for a reason. To reveal the truth to every situation.
Chelsea Eomurian
English 1A
9-9:50
April Rain Song
Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.
-Langston Hughes
Reflection:
First of all, I picked this poem because I love the rain. This poem is not wordy or complicated, but I think it has a bigger meaning than just rain. It can be seen as a metaphor for peace in your life and within yourself. Rain is very peaceful to me so that is why I interpret the poem this way. The rain does make pools though, like the poem says. This line can represent some troubles in your life, but like the puddle they will go away with time.
Jennie Lo
9:00 – 9:50am
English 1A
Response to Zaidea Magpoc
Langston Hughes' poem
The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain
Zaidea,
I agree with you that everyone has the right to convey their feelings, ideas and thoughts regardless of the color of their skin, but I don’t see Langston’s The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain has showed that everyone is equal. I feel all (may be most) of his poems have emphasized that he is in a world with many difference colors and he has tried very hard to response to himself that he needed to work harder than the others.
Poem is hard. It deliveries to you differently message.
Jennie
Huarui Wu
8:00-9:00pm
eng 1A
Democracy
Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.
I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course
.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.
I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.
I think this poem by Langston Hughes is very powerful. It's interesting how the first stanza seems to illustrate the opposing idea, which Langston is addressing. This negative point of view on democracy is exactly what he cannot stand. By using this approach, the poem has a stronger impact and shows his determination. Langston Hughes gets his point across through this powerful poem that we can't live without freedom; we all must have it!
Ruby Holt-Roth
English 1A
9:00-9:50am
Chelsea, I enjoyed your interpretation of Rain Song by Langston Hughes. I like the rain as well. The poem captures the calm and serene feeling that rain transmits.
Sabah Said
Feb 6. 2010
English 1A
Mon- thurs
Alehouse book. First thing to come in mind.
In the book of Alehouse I decided to skip through the book. And a surprising thing I saw is Ms. Wanda Sabir interview with Al Young. I think its nice how you had your own published interview in a book. You had the chance to say what you think about the poems.
Sabah Said
Feb 6. 2010
English 1A
Mon- thurs
Respond to blog reflection of Alehouse
David I like how you put yourself in Langston Hughes shoes.
Lopez, Fatima
engl 201 A
02-24-10
TTH 10:00 11:00
today is the first day that I like this class because I did like what people did and talk about a their love that they have to certain things, their presentation was very good, some talk about articles, other about their family, iPod, books and songs. but the ones that touch me was the ones that Sareth did because he talk about the most wonderful thing in this world that is our mothers and the Tupac song I feel that is very touching and so many people can related to it, also the love you for life song was very touching because Semry expressed his romantic love for his girlfriend and who he will marry and that’s very romantic and expressive to show how much he loves her, I wish them nothing else to them than love. Dumel presentation was good too because he talked about the most important of our life that is our family and he did talk about his father and brother and I can’t see his heat is full of love to his family. Melvin did very good his poetry too well I don’t have more time to write about the other presenters but all of you did great because were talkinf about the most important to them so I respect all of you.
Lucia Fallah
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
February 24, 2010
Regression
By Heather Kamins
Memory is protein nothing
More, strung like lights between neurons. Let say
the first time you saw her was by the cotton candy machine.
Or was it the carousel? The moment is gone, irretrievable. When you remember, you reconstruct: what you saw, what you think you saw. Each memory of the memory in its own glass case, each copy of a copy. The irony of the memory: the more you remember a thing, the more you forget it. The details go grainer with each iteration, each corruption. The carousel become a cotton candy machine becomes the weeping willow in her mother’s front yard. Her eyes turn from green to blue, her voice deepens. Your moments are safest in the murky liquid of amnesia, each memory encased in darkness, untouched by the longing fingers of collection.
A man who find a young beautiful woman, admire her beauty and enjoy the ways she move and look but afraid to speak, never talk to her. Watch her daily without a single word towards her. He loves her he want her, but left with all the regression he find nothing.
Nseke Ngilbus
Wanda sabir
Eng 1a
april 22, 2010
reflection
I remember the first time at school I was required to compose a poem, I really did not want to, but everyone was required to do so. Essentially, it was out of my control. I proceeded to right a poem about love, and what love means to me. It titled it “love and me” I can remember that I was real young; I was only in the six grade. At the time, I believed it to be very materialistic, I thought it to be having video games and toys. It seem like, back in those days, that all I cared about. But now, I know better, I know that love is something hard to find, it is also relationship between two human beings. Love is truly a great thing.
Valeria Ramos
English 1A 8-8:50
I brought in a Sandra Cisneros poem called "His Story"
It's basically about how she feels really awkward because she was born into a family of all men. Her being the only woman. Which is completely opposite to me. I kind of connected to this poem because for some reason, out of the five kids my father had, none of them were men. He always wanted a boy, but after his fifth time trying, he gave up. I think in his head he was kind of disappointed in himself for not being able to make boys, either way, i think he's still really grateful. I have a wonderful father who was given me everything. So this poem kind of made me reflect on my own family.
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