My Momma sent me this Langston Hughes poem when I first joined the Army. I printed it out and hung it on my wall for years. It’s an awesome message of dogged determination in the face of adversity. Never give up. Persevere. Persevere. Persevere. Of course, Hughes is speaking in terms of the challenges of a Black Person in the early 20th Century America. Even still, the message transcends race, culture, religion and era. It’s an excellent message of love, support and encouragement from a Mother to a son.
Nice. My grandmother had a poem that hung on the wall in her kitchen, and I’ve searched for a copy of it. I can find the words on the internet, but it’s an vintage print that I would like. It was similar in sentiment to this one, and was entitled something to the effect of “Keep on Keepin’ On” She lived by herself after we moved away, and I hope that I would have as much determination to keep on keepin’ on if I were in her situation.
Anyway, the words to the poem your mom sent ring true, as you said. I found a quote today that ties in a little with that message, and is something I need to keep in mind whenever I wonder if I’m making a difference and if what I have chosen is what I was meant to do. Maybe corny, and not nearly as eloquent, but it’s something I think about from time to time…
This is what I’ve worked for,
This is why I’m here.
There’s no turning back,
I have no fear.”~unknown
This poem is very inspiring in every aspect of live in general. His words are so powerful, captivating and alluring, through these passages, I have lived and experienced and remain focus on my dreams and who, I am as a person. This poems speaks of being motivated, determined, even when there is a road a head filled with obstacles, don’t turn back keep going and reach for the stars. This what a mother would say to his or her child when things become unbearabel. In other words, get up do something with your life get an education and it will open so many doors for you and the rest of your generation.
By Rosita Jean