Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

LANGSTON'S RIVERS

A themed collection of rivers.

Inspired by Langston Hughes’ powerful poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” this collection brings together water from the Euphrates, Congo, Nile, and Mississippi. Hughes’ poem, written at just seventeen, explores the deep connection between rivers and civilization. Our collection reflects this theme, highlighting the role these iconic waterways have played in shaping history and cultures around the world.

* Celebrated as a part of our collection.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers by: Langston Hughes 

I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I’ve known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

 
More from River Mixer

'Buy' the River Blog

History

The Saraswati River: How Tectonics and Drought Erased the Lifeblood of the Indus Civilization

Forget Atlantis. Before the Pyramids, before Rome, one of the world’s mightiest empires—the ancestor of modern India—was powered by a colossal, holy river called the Saraswati (Pronounced: Suh-RUH-swah-tee). Then, it simply disappeared. Vanished. What force of nature was powerful enough to erase a river more revered than the Ganges? The answer is a stunning blend of ancient scripture, desert whispers, and modern satellite science. Get ready to play historical detective.

Read More »
News

Jane Goodall’s Passing: What the River Teaches Us About Her Urgent Conservation Legacy

When Jane Goodall first entered the rainforests of Gombe, she saw more than trees and chimps; she saw an entire, interconnected system. That same biological truth is mirrored perfectly by our planet’s rivers. They are the blue arteries of the Earth, delivering life from the mountains to the sea. In honor of Goodall’s enduring legacy, we explore how the principles of a healthy river—interconnectedness, resilience, and vitality—are the very principles she spent her lifetime championing, and why her passing serves as an urgent reminder of our duty to protect every drop.

Read More »
Science

Alluvial Fans vs. River Deltas: Key Geographical Differences Explained

Ever wondered what happens to all the sediment a river carries? From towering mountains to vast oceans, rivers are constantly shaping our landscape. Join us as we explore two fascinating landforms born from a river’s tireless work: the rugged alluvial fan and the sprawling delta. Understanding their differences helps us appreciate the diverse ways water interacts with and transforms the Earth’s geology, creating vital ecosystems and crucial areas for human settlement.

Read More »
Culture

The River Was Dying, Then Gary Bencheghib Created Sungai Design to Save It

Ever wondered what happens to the staggering amount of plastic pulled from our precious waterways? Discover the incredible journey of environmental activist Gary Bencheghib, who didn’t just clean a river, but sparked a revolution to transform polluting plastic into stunning design. Prepare to be inspired by the story behind Sungai Watch and the innovative mission of SUNGAI DESIGN.

Read More »

Buy Rivers