The speaker is the author himself and he addresses everyone. He describes a state of mind, exposing it through poetry. The author wants the reader to consider what feelings might result if a dream doesn't manifest, or if physical manifestation of a dream is delayed. These feelings could be even more significant if related to the hopes and dreams of the black community--a segment of the population whose dreams h

ave been deferred since their ancestors were forced entrance into this country.

"Maybe it just sags"(9); "like a heavy load."(10)--These are the most moving lines, written as statements, perhaps to hint at what most people would do with their deferred dreams. This would represent a burden that would sink to the depths of our spirit and be carried for life. "Or does it explode?" (11)--the most nebulous, yet most powerful question. What is "it"? And what exactly does explode mean? The reader is left thinking of the frustrations that must be felt when a dream is deferred. It is the punch-line which turns this poem into a political statement.

Several responses are given to the initial question: "What happens to a dream deferred?"(1), by introducing vivid similes and metaphors. "Does it dry up"(2), "Like a raisin in the sun?" (3)--perhaps describing how a drea

Some common words found in the essay are:
Dream Deferred, Angeles Riots, dream deferred, deferred dreams, Watts Riots, deferred dream, linger throughout, short poem, similes metaphors,
Approximate Word count = 587
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)