Skip to Main Content

A-Z POETRY

Harlem by Langston Hughes (1951)
This short poem about dreams is one of the most influential poems of the 20th century.

POEM: "Harlem" by Langston Hughes (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?

Related Links

Poem Guide: Harlem Close Reading Activities Analysis