Question

Hi,

I was wondering what kind of poem "Dream Variations" by Langston Hughes is? I've narrowed it down to blank verse or free verse but I'm not sure. Please help. Here is the poem:

Dream Variations

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark Like Me---
That is my dream!

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening...
A tall, slim tree...
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.

Thank you!

Kate

Answer 1

It's not blank verse because there is a rhyme pattern there. Can you hear it?

I don't think it's free verse either:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_verse

Answer 2

I think your right but I've no idea what else it could be. I don't know what to do.

:(

Kate

Answer 3

It's a form of lyric poetry. Read why:

http://www.bachelorandmaster.com/britishandamericanpoetry/dream-variations.html

Answer 4

There are two stanzas. The first stanza has 9 lines; the second one, 2.

The even-numbered lines rhyme ... and the rhyme pattern is identical in both stanzas.

The rhythm is what is referred to in that linked article as musical.

It's an absolutely wonderful poem. I hope you read it aloud several times!!

Answer 5

This article is also very good:
http://www.enotes.com/dream-variations

Answer 6

Thank you so much! I appreciate it.

:)Kate

Answer 7

You're very welcome!