As I Grew Older is a poem written by Langston Hughes, one of the foremost figures of the Harlem Renaissance. The poem speaks to the struggles and challenges that Hughes faced as an African American growing up in a world where racism and discrimination were rampant.
In the opening lines of the poem, Hughes writes about his dreams and how they were constantly being "thwarted" by a "wall." This wall represents the barriers and obstacles that Hughes encountered as he tried to pursue his dreams and aspirations. The wall represents the systemic racism and discrimination that he and other African Americans faced on a daily basis.
Despite these challenges, Hughes refused to give up on his dreams. He writes, "I knew the wall was there, but I never knew I had to slam my head against it." This line conveys Hughes's determination and resilience in the face of adversity. He refused to let the wall stand in his way and instead worked to find ways to overcome it.
As the poem progresses, Hughes writes about how he continued to grow and mature, even as the wall remained a constant presence in his life. He writes, "As I grew older, I learned to see the wall from both sides." This line suggests that Hughes gained a greater understanding and perspective on the issues he faced as he grew older. He came to see the wall not just as a barrier to his own dreams, but as a symbol of the broader struggles of African Americans as a whole.
Despite the challenges he faced, Hughes remained hopeful and optimistic about the future. He writes, "I saw the sky, but it was not for me." This line suggests that Hughes understood that he and other African Americans were denied access to certain opportunities and privileges that were available to their white counterparts. However, he remained hopeful that one day these barriers would be broken down and that he and others would be able to fully participate in and contribute to society.
In the final lines of the poem, Hughes writes about how he learned to "build a new wall" that was "strong enough" to withstand the challenges he faced. This new wall represents Hughes's resilience and determination to continue fighting for his dreams and the dreams of others. It also suggests that Hughes was willing to take an active role in shaping his own future and working to create a more just and equitable society.
Overall, As I Grew Older is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the struggles and challenges faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. It is a testament to Hughes's resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and optimism can help us overcome the obstacles in our path.
