Famous Inspirational Poem

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) had a lonely childhood, but he was raised by his grandmother who had a love of literature, so Hughes turned to books during those lonely years. This poem shows that even through the hardships of life, it’s possible to keep pushing forward. In this poem, Langston Hughes does not follow the rules of grammar, but that adds to the frazzled feel of the poem’s content.

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This poem was in a textbook of mine from the sixth grade. As a child, it resonated with me. It inspired me to write poetry. As a child, educated by white folk, I had no idea who Langston...

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Famous Poem

Still Here

By Langston Hughes more Langston Hughes

I been scarred 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!

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by Chlo Han
6 months ago

I was struggling a lot today. This helped. I was really depressed today and I need something to help me.

by Stephanie Statham-Sullivan
4 years ago

This poem was in a textbook of mine from the sixth grade. As a child, it resonated with me. It inspired me to write poetry. As a child, educated by white folk, I had no idea who Langston Hughes was, nor his significance, but this poem stuck with me for years. As an adult over forty, I would attempt to find this poem. I've recited it to so many folks and no one knew who wrote it. One day, after reciting it to a great friend, he later surprised me with a leather bound, beautiful edition of The Complete Works of Langston Hughes. I devoured every word on every page and loved it. He is one of my favorite poets. I wanted my child to be taught the things that I was never taught about our people, our poets, novelists, pioneers, our history, etc...
He has a profound love for literature and is quite the prolific writer himself. I am so proud of our people and my son. Writing is his legacy and his poetry and writing will touch someone, as Mr. Langston Hughes' poetry touched and inspired me.