Angels Wings by Langston Hughes
The poem explores themes of purity, struggle, and the contrast between idealized beauty and harsh reality. The imagery of angelic wings symbolizes innocence and divine grace, depicted as "white as snow." However, the speaker reveals a personal experience of degradation and suffering, as they describe dragging their wings through "dirty mire" and "fire." This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the aspirational qualities of the angels and the speaker's own tarnished existence. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the stark contrast between the ideal and the lived experience, suggesting a longing for redemption or a return to purity. The work ultimately reflects on the complexities of human experience, where beauty and suffering coexist, and the struggle to maintain hope amidst adversity.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1986 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, African American Literature · 90 words
First lines
De angels wings is white as snow, O, white as snow, White as snow.
De angels wings is white as snow, But I drug ma wings In de dirty mire.
O, I drug ma wings All through de fire.
But de angels wings is white as snow, White as snow.
What this Textopian page supports
Angels Wings is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1986 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Langston Hughes
- Date: 1986 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, African American Literature, Lyric, Symbolism
- Length: 90 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of purity and struggle.
- Spiritual — The imagery of angels and the contrast between purity and dirt suggests a spiritual or religious theme.
- African American Literature — The work reflects the experiences and cultural identity of African Americans, common in Hughes' writings.
- Lyric — The emotional expression and personal reflection align with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · 20th Century Poetry · Social Justice · Racial Equality · American Experience · Urban Life · Poetic Form · Free Verse · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor