Autumn Thought by Langston Hughes

Flowers are happy in summer.

In autumn they die and are blown away.

Dry and withered,

Their petals dance on the wind

Like little brown butterflies.

Langston Hughes' "Autumn Thought" is a peaceful poem addressing restless thoughts of a person as they age. "Flowers are happy in summer," relays a nostalgic message. It is easy to remember youth in pristine condition as it grows and thrives. However, this poem addresses an autumn thought fearful of age and despondency.

Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902. This poem was published in 1932; therefore, he wrote this in his late twenties. This is the age when people start to think about retirement and old age.

Though the message is dismal, the petals dry and dancing on the wind, they are also butterflies. In a last hooray they fill the sky with something beautiful before finding a final resting ground.

He is provoking people to question old age and death. The poetic musings of the poem are bleak, yet inspirational. Petals hang onto the stem, until set free by the wind. This brings another thought to mind. Clinging to our hope and dreams keeps us youthful. The poem is a part of a book entitled "The Dream Keeper and Other Poems." In essence he is saying when we hold onto out dreams we thrive. Negative thoughts destroy the mind and soul.

Langston Hughes is one of the greatest poets. This poem is open for interpretation. A handful of lines relay endless inspiration without answering any questions. It is left to the reader to decide the true intentions of his words.

Quirky Books
The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes