The Negro Speaks of Rivers
I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
I’ve known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
2 comments:
This is a beautiful painting! I love the colors and the light on the water. It seems like a simplified palette, that really works with the poem. And I love Langston Hughes, so thanks for sharing!
Thanks Amy- I did try to use a limited palette- mostly warm oranges and yellows with a few purples and neutrals to balance the warm/cool aspect. Glad you like it!
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