Rhonda Massengill "On the Road" and Poetry by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a successful humorist and a historian of the lives of the blacks. He was the first African American man to make a living through writing. He was also the first African writer to receive attention for realistic writing of African American heritage.
“Young Gal’s Blues” was my favorite poem because it was about life. In life we all have to say goodbye to someone that we love. In the first stanza he talks about death. Next he talks about money, those that don’t have any money. He talks about how lonely it is when you don’t have any money. You don’t have the mends to enjoy life. Lastly, he talks about love and how it affects us. We have those that never left home and found a soul mate. He talks about how they stay at home with their parents.
“Note on Commercial Theatre” another poem that I liked. This poem to me was about taking a stand. Many of the African American people weren’t able to take a stand for what they felt was right. This poem says if they are talking about you take a stand and make yourself known. The only person that can defend your name and honor is yourself.
“On the Road” was a very sad story to me. I could just see this man named Sargeant going door to door looking for shelter. I am sure when he got to the Rev. Mr. Dorset he thought finally refuge from the storm. The Reverend refused to let Sargeant into his house. Next he thinks the church will be open he could just stay at the church. The church doors are locked so he starts yelling hoping someone would let him in. He is finally able to bust open the door and then the police arrive. The police start beating Sargeant trying to get him loose from the door. The police get Sargeant loose and take him to jail. This act of violence could have been avoided if they would have given him a warm place to stay. It was the middle of winter and the poor man was freezing to death. (Ironically) Sargeant sees Christ when he is in jail. I thought this was ironic because the preacher refused to help him but Christ comes.