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Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is…

“Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think I suffer after I have held my pain So long? Because my mouth Is wide with laughter You do not hear My inner cry? Because my feet Are gay with dancing You do not know I die?” quote by Langston Hughes
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“Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think I suffer after I have held my pain So long? Because my mouth Is wide with laughter You do not hear My inner cry? Because my feet Are gay with dancing You do not know I die?”

Langston Hughes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Laughter and song mask inner suffering; outward joy hides deep pain and existential dread.

In simple terms: Joy hides deeper pain.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge hidden struggles behind smiles.

Themes

pain masking joy existence

Mood

melancholic introspective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • performance
  • social interaction
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

psychology emotional concealment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your laughter conceal?
  • How can you express pain without losing joy?
A Different Perspective

Joyful façade can prevent authentic connection and help.

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