“ HARLEM “

   So, have you read the poem “Harlem’ ? I read it last night. Short and simple poem. Ah, with hidden message. Langston’s “Harlem” is about what happens to dreams that are put on hold. The poem means  to lots  black people who didn’t get what they aimed for. A fair life. It makes them to put away their dreams. I like the way Langston arranged the series of images in this poem : “ Like a raisin in the sun ? Or fester like a sore, “ Does it stink like rotten meat ? Or crust and sugar meat , that function as a tool to tell readers don’t delay their dreams  or else  it  will change or unlikely to come true.  This poem reminds me another Langston’s poem “Dream Variations”. This poem also depicts the life of African- American and how they attempt to achieve their dreams that have been prevented by the society. Langston also use images vividly in this poem. In the first stanza , “To fling………….., Then rest……….. While night comes on gently , dark like me – That is my dreams” , that implies the  persona dreams for a carefree life without any prejudice or discrimination. For me, these lines are captivating , “While night comes , an gently dark  like me  reveals that he doesn’t want  even the environment associated with colour.

     Although these two poems touch on Africa American struggle, but I like to focus on the word “dream”. I felt every human being should have a dream. It will be their goal of life. The dream that they set should be achieve without any delay to avoid unnecessary negative affect. Take an instance ,  for students, they should have their own dreams. Having dreams or life goals will make them a valuable member of society. If they face obstacles in the way of achieving their dreams, they shouldn’t be abandon their dream . Overcome the obstacles. The dream will bring their talents and desire of the students  to what they want to achieve. It will be rewarding if they able to achieve dreams.