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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MOTHER TO SON by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: WELL, SON, I'LL TELL YOU
Last Line: AND LIFE FOR ME AIN'T BEEN NO CRYSTAL STAIR.
Subject(s): AFRICAN AMERICANS; MOTHERS; NEGROES; AMERICAN BLACKS;

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 carpets 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 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.



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