I, Too Poem by Langston Hughes
I, Too
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
'Eat in the kitchen,'
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed-
I, too, am America.
Hughes was actually a FAN of Whitman and was greatly influenced by his free verse, “democratic” style of poetry. If you ever bother reading up on Whitman’s works (like “Song of Myself”) , you will notice that he loves all Americans and believes everyone to be equal regardless of age, race, or gender. Please do your research before bashing.
What makes Langston great is not the things he says(which are usually overtly simplistic) , but the things he said during the time period in which he lived.
This poem is especially relevant given the recent election in America. Absolutely prescient. Langston Hughes was a prophet.
am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong... I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong......... beautiful.
I absolutelty Love Langston hughes poetry. I've wondered if " I to, am America" was the inspiration for Paul McCartneys Black Bird?
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
12/12/2023 7:48:15 PM # 1.0.0.1119
I think that this is a great poem. Because it teaches you about not being able to eat in the dinning room when you are a young slave. but when you get older you are aloud to eat in the dinning room when the company comes.