Merry-Go-Round - A poem by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes - Merry-Go-Round

COLORED CHILD AT CARNIVAL

Where is the Jim Crow section 
On this merry-go-round, 
Mister, cause I want to ride?
Down South where I come from 
White and colored 
Can't sit side by side. 
Down South on the train 
There's a Jim Crow car. 
On the bus we're put in the back--
But there ain't no back 
To a merry-go-round! 
Where's the horse 
For a kid that's black?

Added: on March 24th, 2009 at 9:30 PM | Viewed: 40717 times | Comments and analysis of Merry-Go-Round by Langston Hughes Comments (22)

Merry-Go-Round - Comments and Information
Poet: Langston Hughes (Langston Hughes Art) Poem: Merry-Go-Round Poem of the Day: Sep 6 2003 Comment 22 of 22, added on December 8th, 2009 at 6:17 PM. this poem really made me understand how segregation effects younger children. it must have been so much for him, that he asked if he could get on a merry go round. nisma from United States Comment 21 of 22, added on May 9th, 2009 at 1:46 PM. It is ironic that Jim Crow is somewhat shown as a black right activist. When langston states that there was a Jim crow section for blacks down south. The merry-go-round symblolizes the rights that a normal black child has been deprived of during that time. It could also symbolize moving forward and becoming more racial tolerant since there isnt a back to a merry-go-round. The whites and blacks have no designated section for each race, so it shows more racial equality. KARIM from United States Comment 20 of 22, added on March 24th, 2009 at 9:30 PM. Sorry buddy but a black child did not write that passage about all the animosity, hatred, etc. Any child i know cannot write like that josep from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Merry-Go-Round, has received 22 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Langston Hughes with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Langston Hughes Poem: Merry-Go-Round Last read: Dec 10 2009, 4:41PM Poem of the Day: Sep 6 2003 Viewed 40717 times. Added on March 24th, 2009 at 9:30 PM.

Hughes Info
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