Langston Hughes

When Sue Wears Red

When Sue Wears Red - meaning Summary

Admiration Turned to Ache

The poem describes the speaker’s intense, almost worshipful reaction when Susanna Jones wears red. Brief, repetitive stanzas use exalted images — an aged cameo, an Egyptian queen — and exclamatory invocations of "Jesus" and trumpets to heighten theatricality and religious fervor. The red dress ignites a love that is glorious yet painful, conveyed as a "love-fire sharp like pain," mixing desire, admiration, and aching intensity.

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When Susanna Jones wears red Her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown with the ages. Come with a blast of trumpets, Jesus! When Susanna Jones wears red A queen from some time-dead Egyptian night Walks once again. Blow trumpets, Jesus! And the beauty of Susanna Jones in red Burns in my heart a love-fire sharp like pain Sweet silver trumpets, Jesus!

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