Me and the Mule

“The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes (1921)

One of Hughes’s most famous poems, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” exemplifies his command of language and rhythm.

“The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes (1926)

The titular poem from Hughes’s first published poetic collection The Weary Blues, which also included “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” this work was meant to be recited with musical accompaniment.

“Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes (1951)

This poem is a common choice for poetic instruction amongst high school literature teachers. This poem was published much later in than “Me and the Mule,” which makes it a good example of his literary and thematic progression as a poet.

“Langston Hughes – ‘The Weary Blues’ on CBUT, 1958” by vanalogue (2013)

In this video, Langston Hughes recites his famous Jazz poem “The Weary Blues” to the accompaniment of a band for a television broadcast, originally shared on CBUT in 1958.

“The Harlem Renaissance Collection” by the Editors at the Poetry Foundation (updated 2022)

These articles offer background information on the Harlem Renaissance, including a literary timeline illustrated by the publication dates of famous works associated with the movement.