In Langston Hughes' "Harlem [2]," the speaker poses the question of what happens to a dream deferred. The use of vivid imagery, such as comparing the deferred dream to a raisin drying up in the sun or festering like a sore, creates a sense of stagnation and decay. The word choices of "stink," "rotten meat," and "syrup sweet" evoke negative connotations and a feeling of discomfort. The imagery of the dream sagging like a heavy load or potentially exploding conveys a sense of pressure and potential for destruction.
On the other hand, in Louise Driscoll's "Hold Fast Your Dreams," the speaker urges the reader to keep a secret spot in their heart for dreams to thrive and grow. The use of rhyme in the poem, such as "heart" and "apart," "spot" and "grow," creates a sense of unity and cohesion. The word choices of "sheltered," "thrive," and "grow" evoke a feeling of protection and encouragement. The poem's overall tone is one of hope and perseverance, urging the reader to hold fast to their dreams in the face of doubt and fear.
In my own poem, inspired by these two works, I strive to convey a message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. By using rhyme to shape the message and influence the reader, I hope to create a sense of unity and strength. The word choices of "hold fast," "within," "sheltered," and "thrive" are deliberately chosen to convey a sense of protection and growth. Overall, my poem aims to inspire the reader to continue pursuing their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
Harlem [ 2]
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 syrup sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Hold Fast Your Dreams
Hold fast your dreams!
Within your heart
Keep one still, secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And sheltered so,
May thrive and grow-
Where doubt and fear are not.
Oh, keep a place apart
Within your heart,
For little dreams to go.
Talk about both poems and use rhyme in the poem to shape the message and influence the reader. And explaining of the specific word choices in each poem to influence its mood and tone.
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