Dreams

Most of the time, I'm not a big poetry fan. When I'm in the mood for inspiration, I like pretty prose that gets to the point after only a couple of literary flourishes. But occasionally a poem comes along that's uncomplicated and true and I love it. The following is one of those poems. It's incredibly inspirational and poignant and I almost have it memorized. I found it in my teacher certification textbook (of all places), which is actually a pretty poignant twist of fate too, but I'll not get into that just yet. For now, just enjoy the wisdom of Langston:

"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.
- Langston Hughes

Even though I'm old at heart (curse those hooligan teenagers, their MTV, and their rap noise!) I'm still full of youthful idealism, and currently I want very badly to believe that I really can (and should!) spend my life doing what I've always loved. Some people agree with me and some don't, but I'll sleep a little easier tonight knowing that a famous American author is on my side.