Poetry Sunday: Harlem by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was an American poet of the twentieth century who gave voice to the experiences and aspirations of African-Americans. This is one of his more famous poems.


Harlem

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

      Does it dry up
      like a raisin in the sun?
      Or fester like a sore—
      And then run?
      Does it stink like rotten meat?
      Or crust and sugar over—
      like a syrupy sweet?

      Maybe it just sags
      like a heavy load.

      Or does it explode?

Comments

  1. CarmenFebruary 4, 2018 at 3:43 PM

    I like it! I read and analyzed this poem in a lit class in college.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersFebruary 4, 2018 at 5:45 PM

      I believe this particular poem is an integral part of many lit classes.

      Delete
  2. FavoredFebruary 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM

    One of my favorites! Thank you Dorothy!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Judy KruegerFebruary 6, 2018 at 1:48 AM

    The poem itself explodes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersFebruary 6, 2018 at 9:56 AM

      I think that was probably the effect he was trying to achieve.

      Delete

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