I can’t get enough of these two … they are so musical!
Langston Hughes wrote: “To make words sing is a wonderful thing, Because in a song words last so long.”
The following poem by Langston Hughes was originally entitled, “Prayer.” John Musto’s song (even in this slightly abbreviated version) gives a resounding recognition that individual struggles are shared and felt by us all.
LITANY
Gather up
In the arms of your pity
The sick, the depraved,
The desperate, the tired,
All the scum
Of our weary city
Gather up
In the arms of your pity.
Gather up
in the arms of your love—
Those who expect
No love from above.
