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My Motto

Hey Soul Mates,
yesterday was the 105th Birthday of the great American poet Langston Hughes. I thought I would pause and celebrate him. Now, just last month, my buddy Robert asked me if I had a favorite poem. Apparently, I had walked in on a conversation about some lame verse and more than a little nonsense. Without hesitating, I said:
Motto by Langston Hughes (copyright 1957).

I play it cool
And dig all jive.
That's the reason
I stay alive.

My Motto,
As I live and learn,
is:
Dig And Be Dug
In Return.

It's the only poem I've ever bothered to memorize. I first came across it about 10 years ago. It is the UrbanAmerican version of the Golden Rule, but it's got a little more verve, huh? I love the way it rolls; it is eternally hip and true.

My Dad knows quite a few of Hughes' poems by heart, too. We were flying to New York together in 2002 and we traded recitations. Although, it was a little one-sided as you can imagine. I've got time to catch up, though!

So, in honor of Black History Minute, go check out some more of Mr. Hughes' jazz influenced and R&B influencing works. I'll be reading from his Selected Poems today. Allow me to leave you with one more from Montage of a Dream Deferred, which certainly applies to Rush Hour Soul.

Be-Bop Boys by Langston Hughes (copyright 1957).

Imploring Mecca
to acheive
six discs
With Decca.

That one just makes me laugh and smile. Not a musician alive that can't grasp that one!
Love, Power, Peace

Comments

Anonymous said…
Now, if only I could weave something about the wrecka stow with Mecca and Decca, I would feel it more complete. Woooo!
11:51 AM, February 02, 2007
Anonymous said…
Here's one I memorized from "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka":
B*#ch betta have my money
I don't want a little
I don't want half
I want all my cash
If she don't have it
I'm gonna put my foot in her a##
10:04 PM, February 02, 2007
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