Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

I have a few favorite literature pieces that I set aside for Black History Month. One is Langston Hughes' poem Mother to Son. The speaker is a tough broad who has faced some harsh challenges. She tells her son (in so many words) not to whine, not to be a wimp, not to be lazy, and not to give up. I find this is solid advice for all us- young and old alike.

Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor -- Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on

And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now -- For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

By Langston Hughes