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LANGSTON'S RIVERS

A themed collection of rivers.

Inspired by Langston Hughes’ powerful poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” this collection brings together water from the Euphrates, Congo, Nile, and Mississippi. Hughes’ poem, written at just seventeen, explores the deep connection between rivers and civilization. Our collection reflects this theme, highlighting the role these iconic waterways have played in shaping history and cultures around the world.

* Celebrated as a part of our collection.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers by: Langston Hughes 

I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I’ve known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

 
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