Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?88
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
This poem by Langston Hughes explores the consequences of not pursuing or delaying one's dreams. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe different ways a dream deferred can manifest – drying up, festering, stinking, or becoming a heavy burden. The final line suggests that suppressing one's dreams can lead to explosive consequences. Ultimately, the poem questions the impact of neglecting one's aspirations and the potential for drastic outcomes if one does not actively pursue their dreams.
