Harlem [dream Deferred] Poem by Langston Hughes

Harlem [dream Deferred]

Rating: 3.3


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 OF THE POEM
Sherisa Schumake 11 September 2011

i learned this in 3rd grade. thanks ms.kennedy

93 81 Reply
jada hunter 24 January 2018

you no mrs.kennedy also if we ware talking about the same one she goes to wintervile elementary

0 0
Barnicalboy Mermaidman 11 December 2014

does it explode in her mouth like a heavy load ooohhhhhh

54 117 Reply
Michael Adams 08 June 2022

Stephen Colbert recites this elegant poem on a Strangers With Candy episode, super hilarious!

0 0 Reply
Maurice 07 June 2020

What I am hearing is a computer voice reading poetry without emotion or understanding of the rhythm of the poem. Poems are meant to be read aloud by humans who can read with expression and those who have never experienced that will be wounded by this. I know that real humans are expensive but it is an offense against all poetry and language to let a computer voice read poetry!

1 0 Reply
Nba weez 11 January 2019

I love the way he expressed dreams

3 0 Reply
Charisma Wooten 27 May 2018

Please hire a real Black actor to read Black Poetry. It is so offensive to hear great works of poetry read by some nondescript dried out computer voice white woman. I makes my stomach curl. There are a plethora of men and women who can read with truth and zealotry. Can this nonsense before we, BLACK folks, have to boycott you and your non-artistic actors. Please, in the name of Jesus, Pah-leeze!

5 20 Reply

You complain to much Get a life

1 1
James 28 May 2018

Please, boycott.

0 0

I love this poem. It expresses what Langston hughes calls a dream deffered

6 2 Reply
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