What does the poem Genius Child by Langston Hughes mean?

Of course, any work of poetry opens itself up to a number
of different meanings, and it is very hard to pin down any one definitive explanation of
such a diverse medium. However, here is my "take" on this excellent
poem.

In this poem, Hughes seems to be talking about the
way that society treats the "genius child" with suspicion and fear. The way that the
genius child is related and compared to an eagle or a monster suggests that there is
something in the intelligence and capacity of a genius to change society that threatens
society. This of course results in a real fear of the "genius child" and the way in
which he is unloved. A genius child, through his talent and intelligence, threatens the
status quo by offering the potential for change. The song of the genius child is "wild"
and unpredictable, because change always involves a venture into the unknown. That is
why the song must be sung gently, so that it does not "get out of
hand":

This is
a song for the genius child. 
Sing it softly, for the song is
wild. 
Sing it softly as ever you can - 
Lest the song get out of
hand.

The series of
rhetorical questions seem to argue the danger that is implicit in a genius child,
ultimately comparing such a child to a "monster / Of frightening name." The final,
shocking line seems to present the attitude of society towards such genius children who
offer so much hope and potential for meaningful
change:

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Kill him - and let his soul
run wild.

Far better to
extinguish such children and let the status quo remain, so that we can maintain control
and predictability in an uncertain world. Obviously, Hughes does not believe this,
rather he uses the poem to capture the attitude of society towards innovation and those
that try to usher such changes in. Many, through their suspicion against new ideas,
would commit violence to maintain stability.