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My old man's a white old man And my old mother's black. If…

“My old man's a white old man And my old mother's black. If ever I cursed my white old man I take my curses back. If ever I cursed my black old mother And wished she were in hell, I'm sorry for that evil wish And now i wish her well My old man died in a fine big house My Ma died in a shack. I…” quote by Langston Hughes
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““My old man's a white old man And my old mother's black. If ever I cursed my white old man I take my curses back. If ever I cursed my black old mother And wished she were in hell, I'm sorry for that evil wish And now i wish her well My old man died in a fine big house My Ma died in a shack. I wonder were i'm going to die, Being neither white nor black?””

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.

The speaker reflects on racial identity, loss, and the uncertainty of death beyond binary categories.

In simple terms: Racial identity and mortality are complex.

Key Takeaway

Embrace nuanced identity.

Themes

identity mortality race

Mood

thoughtful somber

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family history
  • social commentary
  • personal memoir

Key Concepts

existential reflection racial consciousness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you view mixed heritage?
  • What does death mean beyond race?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex social dynamics.

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