19 Christian--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.

1. What words or phrases are repeated? Why does the poet repeat these words?

1. Hold fast for fast dreams
2. To give you a little incentive to do what it says,"Hold fast for fast dreams."

2. What images (using any of the five senses. Visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory) does the poet use.

Visual

1. Broken-winged bird
2. Barren field frozen with snow

Auditory

1. Broken-winged bird

Tactile

1. Frozen with snow
2. Broken-winged bird

Olfactory

1. None

Gustatory

1. None

3. Explain the metaphors.

1. "Life is a broken-winged bird"
2. To me that means life is sometimes horrible and is just a bird with a broken wing.

4. Is there a regular rhythm?Is there regular rhyme?How do rhythm and/or rhyme affect the poem?

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. The rhythm and rhyme make the poem flow.

5. What is the theme or message of the poem? Use text examples from each stanza.

1. Hold on to your dreams and life because if you do let it go you would be ruined,
   "Life is a broken-winged bird" or "For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow."

6. Write you reaction (what you liked or didn't like, agreed or disagreed with)

1. What I didn't like is how Langston Hughes didn't give enough examples to give the reader more.