The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Introduction

“The Negro Speaks of Rivers” is Langston Hughes's highly acclaimed poem. The inspiration to write this lyrical poem hit Hughes in July 1920, while crossing the Mississippi river and looking down from the train he was travelling in. Hughes was taking this voyage to Mexico in order to visit his father who resided there. Hughes was inspired to write this poem while crossing the Mississippi river in the train, when he was on his way, to visit his father in Mexico. It is one of Hughes's inaugural poetry, and its theme set the base for his following works. Hughes's work can ...