Baby by Langston Hughes (1926)
The poem presents a conversation between a caregiver and a child named Albert, emphasizing the dangers of playing near the road. The caregiver expresses concern for Albert's safety, warning him about the trucks that pass by and the potential fatal consequences of his actions. The repeated admonition highlights the caregiver's protective instincts and the urgency of the message. As the poem progresses, the caregiver reflects on the broader themes of childhood innocence, vulnerability, and the harsh realities of life. The caregiver's voice conveys a mix of love and anxiety, illustrating the tension between the carefree nature of childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. The imagery of trucks symbolizes the dangers that lurk in the world, serving as a metaphor for the challenges and threats that children face. The caregiver's warnings are not just about physical safety; they also hint at the societal issues that can impact a child's future. The poem captures the essence of parental concern, the desire to shield children from harm, and the recognition that the world can be a perilous place. The repetition of the warning reinforces the urgency and seriousness of the caregiver's message, creating a sense of immediacy. Ultimately, the work explores the complexities of nurturing and the instinct to protect loved ones while acknowledging the inevitability of life's risks. The caregiver's plea serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep-seated desire to keep children safe from harm. The poem resonates with universal themes of love, fear, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Social Commentary · 48 words
First lines
Albert!
Hey, Albert!
Don't you play in dat road.
You see dem trucks A goin' by.
What this Textopian page supports
Baby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Social Commentary, African American Literature
- Length: 48 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Baby by Langston Hughes
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Baby?
- How does this poem by Langston Hughes fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Porter by Langston Hughes
- Mona by Langston Hughes
- Ardella by Langston Hughes
- The Night Is Beautiful by Langston Hughes
- Walls by Langston Hughes
- Dreamer by Langston Hughes
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical elements typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The content addresses a child, using simple language and themes relevant to young audiences.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on safety and the dangers present in urban environments, highlighting societal concerns.
- African American Literature — The author, Langston Hughes, is a key figure in African American literature, and the themes resonate with the African American experience.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · African American · Family · Motherhood · Childbirth · Identity · Social Justice · Racism · Poetic Form · Free Verse