Colony Quote by Langston Hughes
“When poems stop talking about the moon and begin to mention poverty, trade unions, color, color lines and colonies, somebody tells the police.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" (collection), 1921
The poet urges a shift from romanticizing nature to confronting social realities, warning that silence invites police surveillance.
In simple terms: Focus on social issues, not just nature.
Address injustice directly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activist writing
- public policy
- community organizing
- media reporting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does art influence political awareness?
- What responsibilities do artists have to society?
Police may monitor dissenting voices.