Harlem (Dream Deferred) & Dreams

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Harlem [Dream Deferred] (1951)

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?

In "Dreams" Hughes is telling the reader how essential it is for one to hold on to their dreams. Without them, life becomes dull, boring and void of joy, "a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." When you let go of your dreams, life becomes meaningless. Then, in the second poem, Hughes poses a question: If that dream is put to the side and ignored, what will happen? In all likelihood the dream, and the one whose dream it is, will explode.