LANGSTON HUGHES
(1902-1967)



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 just explode?

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I'm having a Langston Hughes moment.
Not just a moment--
an every day thing lately.

Just what does happen to a dream deferred?