The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes

(Vintage Classics)by Langston Hughes(4 total)

"The ultimate book for both the dabbler and serious scholar--. [Hughes] is sumptuous and sharp, playful and sparse, grounded in an earthy music--. This book is a glorious revelation."--Boston Globe Spanning five decades and comprising 868 poems (ne

Characters

Langston Hughes (4)

America is a dream. The poet says it was promises. The people say it is promises—that will come true. The people do not always say things out loud, Nor write them down on paper. The people often hold Great thoughts in their deepest hearts And sometimes only blunderingly express them, Haltingly and s…

— Langston Hughes, amazon.com

America Dream Poet promises Thoughts

Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird that can not fly. Hold fast to dreams for when dreams go life is a barren field frozen with snow.

— Langston Hughes, amazon.com

Dreams

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?”

— Langston Hughes, amazon.com

Dream Deferred Raisin in the Sun

Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love. I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.

— Langston Hughes, amazon.com

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