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

I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.

HarlemWhat 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?

Hold fast to dreamsfor if dreams dielife is a broken-winged birdthat can not fly.Hold fast to dreamsfor when dreams golife is a barren fieldfrozen with snow.

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

What happens to a dream deferred?

The spring is not so beautiful there–But dream ships sail awayTo where the spring is wondrous rareAnd life is gay.The spring is not so beautiful there–But lads put out to seaWho carry beauties in their heartsAnd dreams, like me.

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 lead