320 Quotes by Langston Hughes

The sea is a desert of waves,A wilderness of water.

Now I do not understand Why God don't protect a manFrom police brutality.Being poor and black,I've no weapon to strike back--So who but the LordCan protect me?

O, let my land be a land where LibertyIs crowned with no false patriotic wreath,But opportunity is real, & life is free,Equality is in the air we breathe.(There’s never been equality for me,Nor freedom in this “homeland of the free.”)

Out of love,No regrets--Though the goodnessBe wasted forever.Out of love,No regrets--Though the returnBe never.

Oh, God of Dust and Rainbows,Help us to seeThat without the dust the rainbowWould not be.

Pleasured equallyIn seeking as in finding,Each detail minding,Old Walt went seekingAnd finding.

As for reading books, even far-out books, even beatnik books, fine. Only there are not enough books for me down South, which is one reason I came to New York.

Good morning, daddy!Ain't you heardThe boogie-woogie rumbleOf a dream deferred?Listen closely:You'll hear their feetBeating out and beating out a -You thinkIt's a happy beat?Listen to it closely:Ain't you heardsomething underneathlike a -What did I say?Sure,I'm happy!Take it away!Dream BoogieHey, pop!Re-bop!Mop!Y-e-a-h!

The spring is not so beautiful there–But dream ships sail awayTo where the spring is wondrous rareAnd life is gay.The spring is not so beautiful there–But lads put out to seaWho carry beauties in their heartsAnd dreams, like me.