What Happens to a Dream Deferred...

-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.

I first read this Langston Hughes poem in the third grade. At the time, I was not able to clearly decipher between the dreams I had at night involuntarily versus the Dreams I had all day of what my life would be like the next 20 minutes, 20 days, 20 months or 20 years from that moment. What I did know, subconsciously probably, was that because I was not hungry or tired or concerned that my clothes were not fashionable enough I had the time and peace of spirit that allowed me too dream.

Dreams are funny things; some people dream because their reality is way too difficult to deal with. Some folks dream because dreaming is what they do. Now some people dream and others hope and wish! So what's the difference between dreaming and hoping. Hoping has no plan attached, no course of action. Dreams on the other hand are replete with detailed thoughts of how and why; when and where and more importantly with sacrifices imbedded. Hopes are mere wishes sent into the ether without plan nor course; without action nor detail and more times than not a last minute, ditched effort to bring about what one values at that moment. Dreams unfold and take place over time, dreams ask questions and define answers. Dreams link the present to the future in a detailed manner than often defines success for a person.

Our past is full of dreamers, dreamers have helped define our world! Our dreams define us!