“We have tomorrow 
Bright before us 
Like a flame”—Langston Hughes, “Youth”

These poignant and inspirational words from the poet Langston Hughes (1901–1967) are stamped on this classic sterling silver cuff. The quotation is stamped along the outside of the cuff, while the author’s name is stamped inside. This bracelet was commissioned by and made exclusively for The Reader’s Catalog. 

According to the Academy of American Poets, “A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of Black life in America from the twenties through the sixties, and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.” These lines, the opening strophe of his poem “Youth,” personify his remarkable use of language and imagery, and were first published in  The New Negro: An Interpretation in 1925.

This thin but sturdy cuff is 0.125" wide and will fit a wrist that is 6.5"–7" around.

Every bracelet is individually made by an artist in the New York area. Each letter is stamped, then the silver is oxidized, sanded, and polished for a minimal yet handmade look.