Picture Blog

The Dream Keeper and other poems is the book that I decided to read for 3rd quarter bloggs.  At first I was skeptical about reading a book of poetry that is based toward African Americans, and I still am.  I defiantly don't connect on all the themes, but Ive been trying.


This is Langston Hughes.  He wrote The Dream Keeper and other poems.  In it he talks about black culture and social injustices.


One of Hughes themes is how black can be beautiful.  He came from a time when being black was demode.


Hughes writes many of his poems about the working class blacks.  He connects with the common man on many levels in nearly all of his poems.


When someone reads Hughes poems they feel that he is trying to translate African culture into poems.  All of his poems beautifully illustrate the transition.  His poems also remind blacks never to lose faith in their culture.


Many times Hughes talks about how important it is to keep family at the center of your life.  From young children, to future wives and husbands, to grandparents, family is important.  It almost seems like Hughes can't stress this theme enough as you read his poems.


Many times a Poem from "The Dream Keeper and other poems" will have one poem that is hear wretchedly sad. Then, two or three poems later Hughes will have a happy upbeat poem.  This style keeps the readers emotions doing 180's throughout the book.


A lot of Hughes poems could be old spiritual songs sung by African Americans during slavery.  Other poems are upbeat songs that condone happiness and good times.  Both types of song poems make me imagine and old black woman singing.


Hughes wants blacks to never forget their roots.  Fist in the air would appeal to Hughes very much, as it symbolizes black power.


African American art was probably an inspiration for Hughes when he was writing poetry.  These artistes appealed to the visual senses while Hughes appealed to the hearing.


A lot of Hughes poetry talks about kids growing up.  This baby reminds me of my favorite poem in the collection "Baby".


A lot of Hughes poems sound like African American spirituals.  He writes in a rhythmic beat and the words melody makes you tap your feet.  This is a different style of poetry than I have ever read.