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
About a week ago I was taking the train to Manhattan Beach and while I waited at aviation station I noticed, displayed on transparent plastic were various poems and sayings. In particular the one above titled "A Dream deferred" by Langston Hughes. I read it over and over again. Thinking about the words as I boarded the train. As some of you know I can think about things for days, weeks or even years on end without reaching conclusions. Meditating on deeper meaning, trying to unwrap the shrouded mystery of character, ideology, even perception through prolonged internal struggle to find something concrete.
Last night I was thinking about this poem in conjunction with a scene from the movie "Sixth Sense". I know what you might be thinking at this point. What does a Langston Hughes poem and an M. Night Shyamalan movie have in common? There is a scene where Dr. Malcolm Crowe is talking to the young boy, Cole. He asked him to think about what he wants to get out of the time he is spending with Dr. Crowe. Cole responds, "Instead of something I want, can it be something I don't want?". He proceeds to tell Dr. Crowe he doesn't want to be scared anymore. I was reflecting that this was his dream. Not to be scared anymore.
Sometimes our dreams aren't this inborn need to leave our mark on this earth in hopes that in hundreds of years someone will think, "Man that so and so sure was something!". Maybe our dream is to be happy, to live at peace with ourselves, or finally move on from an oppressive past that won't seem to let us go. What happens to us when that dream is deferred?
Sometimes our dreams are of grandeur, of beauty, or glorious change that we know are impossible, but still hope for in the corners of our mind. If we don't achieve them we are still whole, moving on to something reasonable, that keeps us happy and enriches our lives. What happens to the other people with the inward dreams of personal change? When their dreams are deferred what can they do?
Feel free to share your thoughts. As always have a good day and enjoy.
I am 50% Left Brain and 50% Right Brain. Interesting...
| You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained |
 Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
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1 comment:
Interesting thoughts Anna. I guess I was thinking about indefinite deferred dreams. Because then a person starts to lose hope. And it's hope that keeps us going even when we don't always see the end of a situation.
Hmmmm...what happens when dreams of grandeur are actually realized? A good question. I don't know. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to make dreams realities that maybe we don't stop to think if it's really the best thing for us. What we really want might actually not be what we really need. But I will ponder further.
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