For me, Langston Hughes’ writing epitomizes the beauty of the Harlem Renaissance in its passion, its vibrancy, and its fullness.  Since April is National Poetry Month, I thought I would share one of his best-known and well-loved poems.

Dream Variation

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.

Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
            Dark like me -
That is my dream!

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! whirl! whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening. . . .
A tall, slim tree. . . .
Night coming tenderly
            Black like me.

- found in The Oxford Anthology of African-American Poetry

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