“Still Here”- Langston Hughes

                                                 “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.