Introduction

This Langston Hughes poem explores feelings of loss. Hughes is not clear about the identity the friend mentioned in the poem.  Before reading this poem, talk with children about the tone of this poem. Inform them that sadness is a natural feeling after losing someone or something you care about.

Poem

I loved my friend.

He went away from me.

There's nothing more to say

The poem ends,

Soft as it began____

I loved my friend.

                                               Langston Hughes

Extension

Have children discuss ways to make people feel better after they have loss something or someone special to them.