1. What happens to a dream deferred?
by Langston Hughes
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 load.
Or does it explode?
Class Discussion Questions:
What do you notice about this piece?
Which topics does Hughes write about?
eg: Hughes writes about dreams
I do; We do; You do I read the first time and ask the questions. Write answers on board.

2. “Negro Speaks of Rivers” By Langston Hughes
I've known rivers: I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
I've known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers.
At your tables, read this poem.
Discuss this poem the same way we did as a class for the first poem.
What do you notice about this piece?
Which topic does Hughes write about?
How do you know that? What language points to that topic?
Have a volunteer read this one. Write down answers on board.

3. Directions:
At your tables, write one thematic statement connecting the two Hughes’ poems on the mini whiteboards.
Eg: Hughes symbolizes slavery with rivers in order to exemplify the ancient and ongoing nature of racism and slavery in human history and current day.
Hold up your table’s thematic statement, and we will revise it as a class.
Check for understanding. Have someone else explain the directions. Discussion afterward. Make better.

4. -Choose a topic to write about.
Directions:
-Choose a topic to write about.
*dog, summer vacation, favorite quiet place, worst day ever, etc…
-In your journals, write a poem about your topic.
-You must write at least 10 lines.
-You must include at least one simile.*
-You must include at least one example of alliteration.*
-You must include at least one example of repetition.*
-Be prepared to share these with the class.
Popsicle stick to read the directions. Make sure to explain the literary devices briefly.