“Still Here”
- Langston
Hughes
I been
scared and battered.
My hopes
the wind done scattered.
Snow has
friz me,
Sun has
baked me,
Looks like
between 'em they done
Tried to
make me
Stop
laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'—
But I don't
care!
I'm still
here!
Langston
Hughes’ poem “Still Here” is a powerful and emotional expression of the
struggle and resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression and
discrimination. The poem is a reflection of the experiences of black people
during the early 20th century, when segregation and racism were rampant in the
United States. It conveys a sense of weariness and exhaustion. Despite the
difficulties faced, the narrator remains defiant and determined to continue
living. The repetition of the hardships of life emphasizes the theme of
resilience and determination, and shows that the narrator has not been defeated
by the struggles. The use of weather imagery also adds to the sense of difficulty
that the narrator has faced. The narrator speaks of his experiences as a
witness to both peaceful protests and brutal arrests, highlighting the struggle
for justice and equality faced by black people. The use of religious imagery,
with the narrator being both the preacher and the follower, emphasizes the
spiritual aspect of the fight for freedom and equality. The poem is a testament
to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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