Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Image Credit

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.

Beautiful poem by Langston Hughes. It speaks of a mother's encouragement to her son, that despite all the hardships, he must continue moving forward. 

Life is a never-ending journey. May you find enlightenment with this wonderful piece.

The Bear Poem

Early in my world when I was young and free

I met a boy and asked myself, "Is this he?"

He held out his hand, with a smile of joy

I got that feeling, "Am I Helen of Troy?"

Mom and Dad voiced their disapproval

"You're being hard-headed, as usual

"He is a drop-out, what life will you have?"

"Its nothing serious," I said with a laugh.

The days flew by and things went way out of hand

Confused and worried, a pregnancy unplanned.

Too young to be a wife, too young to be a mother,

Why did this happen? How will I tell my father?

"You will marry my daughter and pull her out of shame.

She is studying for her future, you must do the same.

Once the ceremony is over, my daughter stays with me.

You go home to your parents, wherever they may be."

The boy never got past being a boy

He loved his friends, he loved his toys.

With a second child on the way

I had to be strong despite the clouds of gray

My father died of cancer when he was fifty eight

One of his last words were "Help my daughter set her life straight"

I feared the future without my father

Who will defend me and my children against this monster?

Sixteen years, three children and buckets of tears later

I decided to make my life better

I hauled my three kids and entrusted them into my mother's hands

I then found myself working in a foreign land.

The monster could not keep up with the responsibility

Packed his bags and left without saying sorry

I could not cry a tear of remorse

I laughed, jumped and celebrated this divorce.

I loved the new freedom, I loved being me.

I was happy but deep inside, I felt empty

As if fate had it all planned,

Here comes a man with his words, "Its okay, I understand."

We have now been together for eight blissful years

The union of like minds and like hearts braving new frontiers.

He took on the task of being my children's father

Looked after each child to ensure they would not falter

As we hold hands on a quiet Sunday evening,

Sharing dreams and hopes, both hearts smiling.

I raise my glass, "To infinity and beyond!" I say

He squeezes my hand and whispers, "Here's to forever and a day!"

I have three wonderful children now in their prime,

A roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, and some spare time.

And I have a husband who loves me unconditionally,

For all these, I thank God dearly.

P.S. This is my second attempt at writing a poem. The first attempt was when I was 15 years old. Unfortunately, I was not able to save a copy. 

Why Eagles Never Die

I spent two years of my life in a foreign country, earning my keep to send my children through school. The homesickness was unbearable, and sore muscles and tears were part of my daily existence. To alleviate the longing for home, I pinned pictures of my children and immediate family on the inside of my closet, together with a newspaper clipping of a poem by the late Vice President of the Philippines, Salvador Laurel.

This poem gave me strength to go on each day. It speaks of perseverance, hard work and family. Let me share it with you.

Photolink

Why Eages Never Die

-by Salvador "Doy" Laurel

November 18, 2002

I've been watching eagles all my life; 

I've seen them soar and swoop in strife;

Gliding with grace against wind and sky,

But I've yet to see an eagle falter or die.

They all look alike up in the sky,

Strong and daring in their quest up high;

They only rest when the day is done,

To perch and care for a little one.

They sally forth each day without thought

Of wounds or flops, or yesterday's drought;

They care not for the past or the morrow,

They know the only time they have is now.

And when 'tis time to go, they never tarry;

They leave the world without being sorry;

To some forgotten cliffs they simply hie,

So mortals never see them ail or die.