# Moan explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

A speaker cries out in deep trouble, feeling utterly alone and misunderstood, and turns to Jesus for solace and peace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dreams and Despair

The speaker's moan expresses deep despair and a longing for peace beyond earthly troubles.

### Death and Mortality

The line 'Feels like I could die' directly confronts the speaker's proximity to death.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker moaning in despair, seeking divine help.

### Ma Jesus

Addressed as the source of comfort and peace.

### Lawd

Invoked in cries of desperation.

## Key lines

> I’m deep in trouble, Nobody to understand, Lord, Lord!

I am in serious distress and no one comprehends my pain.

_Opens with a stark confession of isolation and suffering._

> Gonna pray to ma Jesus, Ask him to gimme His hand.

I will pray to my Jesus and ask for His help.

_Turns to faith as the only recourse._

> Sho, there must be peace, Ma Jesus, Somewhere in yo’ sky.

Surely there is peace somewhere in your heaven, my Jesus.

_Expresses hope for divine peace beyond earthly misery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/moan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters