As corny as it may sound… It started when I learned how to read. At 5 years old, I felt the words form into rhymes and they rolled off my tongue like waves of clapping water. I was mesmerized by their loud, vivacious sound. Vowels made love to the dips and riffs in my voice. I had no choice but to continue the creation of harmony
But my first distinct memory was when I was 11 years old. I was rummaging through the middle school library. When my curiosity was triggered by the stale smell of pages growing old. Books became my gateway to another world and I found comfort behind their thick covers.
During my treasure hunt, I came across a collection of poems by Langston Hughes that lit a torch under my soul. I particularly remember the piece I, Too because it gave me the strength to carry on in a world eager to erase my existence. Even the poems that didn’t describe my experiences were easy to relate to. It was in that moment that I fell hard for poetry. . . And I have been falling ever since.
I, Too by Langston Hughes
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
Do you have any poetry stories? What is your favorite poem? What inspires you to read or write poetry? Let’s have a discuss in the comments below.
Till next time, Esha ❤
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