Oh that Langston Hughes. The first poem I ever read of his was “Let America be America Again,” and I have used it as a gauge to check my own privilege when I become complacent.
So I was excited that when I called for favorite poems on April 1st, The Salsa Poet was quick to take to Twitter and suggest a Langston Hughes piece!
She recommended “College Formal: Renaissance Casino.” It was new to me, and I now love this little gem by the master of Harlem Renaissance poetry. Please read it by clicking on the title. It’ll only take a moment.
I can see how this poem influenced her own poetry and movement. The Salsa Poet is a vivacious woman I met in the Los Angeles writing scene, currently rocking Chicago with her lyrical charm. There is a love of movement, of dancing, of lyricism, and of love itself in the tightly bound poetry of “College Formal” that flourishes in her.
And as promised, a photo poem a day. Today’s is “Dancing Honeysuckle.” I dare you to write your own piece today, incorporating the words “dancing” and “honeysuckle” into your poem. Bonus props if you manage to include “salsa” or “renaissance.”
So many more to share in the month of April, and so much more to write to try to keep up on a poem a day.
Here I sit in South Africa, writing about a poet in Chicago, influenced by a poet from Harlem, broadcasting to you (wherever in this world you are) a photo of dancing honeysuckle and a dancing poem, and we all take a moment to think about them, together.
Love, Marla
