Started reading for my bachelor's in English-speaking literature and linguistics (probably around 2016). Flashforward to 2022 and I decided to pick it up again. I firmly believe this Langston Hughes' selection changed my relationship to poetry. I used to hate it (school and stuff), now, I have read a lot more and I even write poems.

I enjoyed this book, particularly his former collections. I really like Hughes' jazz poetry style and the use of orality and the themes. I'm loving his ability to have such an impact in such short yet powerful and poetic lines. A great poet, he contributed so much to Black/African American poetry and literature. I wish he didn't use the g-word though, it's a slur used against the Roma. Plus every time I see a mention of the Roma or a romani representation, it's usually that old fortune teller cliché and I've had enough.

All that being said, here are some of my favourite poems:
"My People"
"Sea Calm"
"Border Line"
"Suicide's Note"
"Lament over Love"
"Southern Mammy Sings"
"Note on Commercial Theatre"
"Who But the Lord?"