I am in search of a poem written by Maya Angelou or Langston Hughes (whoever wrote it first) entitled 'Crystal Stair'. Any information would be greatly appreciated before May 24, 2002.

Thanks

Langston Hughes'
Mother to Son


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In this poem, Hughes writes about a mother speaking to her son about life's experiences. He uses the metaphor of a crystal stair.



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Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

I understand Hughes in his poem "Mother To Son." Metaphors are widely used.