I can't get over what a complex effect Langston Hughes creates by mixing just a couple of rhythms together in such a small space. Again, the rhythmic effect on our mouths and our ears is absolutely essential to the overall effect of the poem. I dare say that if you read it silently (without even hearing it in your mind) you won't be able to understand it.
A poem is not a poem on the page or in the eye; a poem only becomes a poem in the mouth and in the ear. Langston Hughes enforces that rule like a poetry cop!
SUBWAY RUSH HOUR
Mingled
breath and smell
so close
mingled
black and white
so near
no room for fear.
.
1 comment:
Langston Hughes! Neat poet. A friend of mine turned me on to his works.
By reading (aloud to myself) this poem, I could definitely feel the environment spoken of- really!, as if there myself. Even the smell of it...
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