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Why I Love Him

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LOVE YA, LANGSTON!!!

I love Langston Hughes. I've written about him before. I've written about the Dream Keeper. I love the theme of dreams. You should read his poem, Dreams. However, today, this poem is speaking to my heart. Life is fine...Sometimes we are beset by problems that seem to do us in. Broken hearts...unfulfilled dreams...deceptive people...It's hard. I've lately become very disillusioned with certain people. Saying one thing....and meaning another. Twisting truths. Sometimes I want to give up...BUT LIFE IS FINE!!! ;) Enjoy this!! You'll thank me later! Hugs Langston Hughes, 1902 - 1967 . I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn’t, So I jumped in and sank. I came up once and hollered! I came up twice and cried! If that water hadn’t a-been so cold I might’ve sunk and died. But it was Cold in that water! It was cold! I took the elevator Sixteen floors above the ground. I thought about my baby And thought I would jump down. I stood there and I hollered! I stood there and I cried! If it hadn’t a-been so high I might’ve jumped and died. But it was High up there! It was high! So since I’m still here livin’, I guess I will live on. I could’ve died for love— But for livin’ I was born Though you may hear me holler, And you may see me cry— I’ll be dogged, sweet baby, If you gonna see me die. Life is fine! Fine as wine! Life is fine!

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Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/31/2015 9:04:00 AM

I enjoyed rereading this one Eileen. In his picture he has Kind eyes.

Kp Nunez

Date: 3/13/2015 11:18:00 AM

I see a survivor here. Someone who doesn't give up without a fight. I admire people like that as life isn't always easy. I sometimes get the feeling that it's better to just retreat into a corner to lick my wounds and just die. However, life just wouldn't leave me alone so doggedly, I struggle. I certainly can relate to your theme. How are you, Eileen? No recent posts from you...hope you're okay. HUgs! Kim:)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:25:00 PM

I've been better, Kim. Sometimes it all gets too much for me. I go through periods of light and darkness. Depression is a terrible thing to deal with. I've been on a low lately. It's been hard because I've had visitors, and I've had to make more of an effort to be ok. I'm a bit better...but still not up to posting. We'll see how long it lasts. Thanks for caring.....Hugs

David Meade

Date: 3/12/2015 12:00:00 PM

A strong spirit pulsates through these verses . . . it does uplift the heart to continue on . . . through the mud, blood and pain of life. Well done LO.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:26:00 PM

It's always good to have a friend to help you through the mud, blood, and pain of life. I've missed you, David. Hope all is well. LO

Casarah Nance

Date: 3/11/2015 6:06:00 PM

I love the feel of this, the different style and presentation caught my eye and captured me. well done!! :) hugsxx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:27:00 PM

Thanks, sweetie. Lovely to have your visit. Glad you enjoyed the poem by Langston. It's a good one, alright. Thanks for visiting.

Jaafar Sadig El Waad

Date: 3/11/2015 11:28:00 AM

Wow, Eilein! how beautifully striking are the verses:"I could’ve died for love— But for livin’ I was born" life's fine, of course!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:28:00 PM

And even when it isn't fine, Jaafar, we need to keep on going. Thanks for your visit to my poem. I've been busy and tired of late. Forgive me for the late response.

Poesy Relish

Date: 3/10/2015 11:24:00 PM

Wow Eileen... such a well crafted poem... loved each line... its good to lov but not so much that you give up on yourself... a mixture of humor and hurt... a fav 7+++... lov n hugs nad!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:30:00 PM

Thanks for the visit, Nad. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I've been unwell....I appreciate your comment on Langston's poem. Yes, we must first care for self preservation. Hugs

Justin Bordner

Date: 3/10/2015 9:29:00 PM

"I could've died for love, but for livin I was born..." That's sharp poetic logic, however, what's the purpose of livin without lovin, of course we must start by lovin ourselves, which in this world can be a very difficult. Never let love ruin you Eileen...J.A.B.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:32:00 PM

Yes, Justin. Life without love is no life at all. It is merely existing. I agree with you. Love must be reciprocal...and sweet exchange of body, soul, and spirit. Never let love ruin me? Sage advice, Justin. I think it's too late for that one, though. Thanks for the visit.....

Emile Pinet

Date: 3/10/2015 12:46:00 PM

This is a painful story, laid out well and described with feelings written with the heart and edited by the soul. Emile. #7

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:33:00 PM

Yes to all you have written, Emile. You are very perceptive. Thank you for your visit. I haven't been well. Sorry the response is late. Blessings.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/10/2015 8:55:00 AM

This is a sad funny piece. I think that is why it is so appealing, the tension between the apposing messages.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2015 9:35:00 PM

Langston has written a funny sad piece, and you're right, Richard...that shows the beauty of his genius. Yes....I agree with you...the tension of the opposing messages gives it intrinsic appeal. Thank you for your visits.

Hija De La Luna

Date: 3/10/2015 12:23:00 AM

wow! this is phenomenal, Eileen! glad i read this today. life is fine! fine as wine! love it! and thank you, ill check out langston

Tim Smith

Date: 3/9/2015 11:40:00 PM

I really like this Eileen.... If I get time I will check out some of his work....hugs Tim

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/9/2015 11:40:00 PM

Death be not Proud.....though some have called thee mighty and dreadful.....I love that piece. I recited it for my Shakespeare and his Contemporaries class. Did a power point presentation on John Donne. :) We speak the same language, Shane. Our collab is up...come on now....Post it as well. Hugs

Shane Cooper

Date: 3/9/2015 11:32:00 PM

What a wonderful gift you have shared my dear friend. The last two stanza's so brilliant. I can really identify with his words, and I can see where you do to. I also share a passion with you I see from the comments below John Donne is a favourite poet of mine. Love Shane xxx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/10/2015 12:09:00 AM

We speak the same language, Shane. :) Death...be not proud though some have called thee mighty and dreadful...I recited that for my class on Shakespeare and His Contemporaries. :) Did a powerpoint presentation on Donne. :) Hey you....have a good day. I've got to rush to shower and go to class. Classes from 8 to 12...back to back.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/9/2015 1:51:00 PM

- Yes, I want to thank you - This is the best poem I read today, Eileen - Great !!! - 10 out of 10 :)) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 3/9/2015 2:18:00 PM

- so true :))) ... sorry, not so much time to "soup" currently :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/9/2015 2:13:00 PM

How sweet of you, Sunshine! Sending you warm hugs. I needed to remind myself of this poem today. We need to care for our own hearts! Life is fine. Hugs to you!!

Nette Onclaud

Date: 3/9/2015 1:04:00 PM

eileen, now i know where your zest for life, passion, and love comes from.. langston is really influential... ohh, slyvia plath would disagree?.. huggs

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/9/2015 2:12:00 PM

She can disagree all she wants. I know he didn't have it easy in the literary world. Doesn't make me love him any less. He speaks to my heart and I'm content. I also love John Donne. Thanks for your visit sweetie. Sending you hugs