Dinner Guest, First Entry

Below is a poem by Langston Hughes. Probably every school child reads his sweet poem that claims life without dreams is a broken-winged bird, and probably every child has shared his/her dreams as the teacher and students applude and encourage, admonishing children that they don't want to be broken-winged birds, so reach for the stars....aren't we all happy and inspired?

If that's all you remember of Hughes, you've missed the good stuff. He can be pointedly witty, damningly angry. He tells the Truth about life as he saw it, and creates striking characters to carry the message.

Should poetry have a political message? Of course--when it can do it and still use poetic language and imagery. This poem is as witty as Dorothy Parker's writing, in ways, even drawing on the same high society backdrop she uses. But...even as Hughes evokes the imagery of rich New York entertainment, with lobster and wine, he ends with a gentle observation that no one really wants to solve the "Negro Problem;" it's just small talk, almost creating a confessional ambiance with the whole "I'm so ashamed of being white" line. Instead of Hail Mary's, though, they get break bread with the wronged party, who has become the voice of his race. The poem ends more ironic than bitter, admitting that it's good to be on Park Avenue even though "the Problem" lingers.

Hughes died in the late 60's, after years of fiction and poetry that was widely read. As I watch the talk shows and news programs, with a burgeoning variety of black spokesmen speaking about the way Obama's presidency changes the status of blacks in America, I wonder...are all those interviewers and hosts simply the new version of the dinner party? Could be...