The Dream Keeper

Author: Langston Hughes
Plot Summary: In the poem "Dreams," Langston Hughes metaphorically writes about what happens if a dream dies or goes. The poem can open up philosophical discussions about the importance of dreams and the different types of dreams students have.
Posted In: Metaphysics

Discussion Questions
  • What are dreams?
  • What are some different kinds of dreams?
  • Is it important to have dreams?
  • What are ways that people can hold fast to dreams?
  • How could a dream die?
  • How could a dream go?
  • What are your dreams?
  • How do you hold fast to them?
  • Have you ever had a dream die?

Here is the poem:

Dreams
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.

Contributed by Ruby Dawn Lyman