Famous Inspirational Poem

Langston Hughes was an American poet who became famous for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African American to support himself as a writer. In this poem, Langston Hughes shares the importance of having dreams. Without dreams, our lives do not feel complete. We do not have anything to work toward, so holding onto the dreams strengthens and empowers us. In this short poem, he pulls the reader’s attention to this theme by using the repetition of the phrase, “Hold fast to dreams.” Dreams is written in Quatrains (4 line stanzas) and follows the ABCB rhyme scheme.

Featured Shared Story

I so get it. Dreams are hope to a lot of us. I've heard it said that before you get it you have to dream it. I think when we stop dreaming we stop reaching, and when we stop reaching we stop...

Read complete story

Share your story! (3)

Dreams

Langston Hughes By more Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Advertisement

Dreams By Langston Hughes

Share or Embed Picture

more Langston Hughes

  • Stories 3
  • Shares 11471
  • Favorited 95
  • Votes 1621
  • Rating 4.46
  • Poem of the Day
Read More Famous Inspirational Poems
Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

I so get it. Dreams are hope to a lot of us. I've heard it said that before you get it you have to dream it. I think when we stop dreaming we stop reaching, and when we stop reaching we stop achieving.

Reply
  • Kumari Weerasooriya by Kumari Weerasooriya
  • 3 years ago

It is an interesting poem with two very powerful metaphors. Really dreams empower men to reach their targets in life.

Reply
  • Kenzie Waggoner by Kenzie Waggoner
  • 3 years ago

It is an interesting poem with many rhymes, tones, and contrasts. Many Dreams lead people to good places in their life.

Related Categories

Back to Top