Dream Deferred

allpoetry.com/Dream-Deferred

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?

It was the first poem Langston wrote, at the age of fourteen. Ruben Silvers (artistic
director in the 30's at Karamu House) gives this account: "I was in a business meeting
with the Jelliffe's (founders of Karamu House Theatre) as a rambunctious young lad burst
into the meeting asking that we read his poem. I insisted that he wait until we were done.
Mrs. Jelliffe said, "no read his poem". That poem was The Negro Speaks of Rivers, the
poet was Langston Hughes".

Renee Jackson (Poetryality) © by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes

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