Response to Hughes – A Raisin in the Sun Creative Response

April 17, 2013

Dianna Dragonetti

(Response to Harlem by Langston Hughes)

What happens to a dream deferred?

Can I describe with simply words

The intangible loss that must occur

When aspiration is demurred?

Does it become an orphaned child,

Unsung and shy–seen but unheard,

Or does it seek another’s wiles,

And take off, flitting, like a bird?

Does it disperse like urban soot,

Settling as grime on stagnant waters,

Or does it languish, underfoot,

Like petals, flora’s fallen daughters?

Does it burn and rise from the ash anew,

Or evaporate with morning’s dew?

Does it waft and fade like dimming light,

Or go, screaming, into the night?

But all comparisons aside,

Why must we have our dreams denied?

This is a finalist in our A Raisin in the Sun Creative Response Contest. From April 17-19 you can visit our Facebook page to vote for this entry to win our grand prize!