/ Or fester like a sore— / And then run? / Does it stink like rotten meat / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun? He wrote many poems about what life was like for African Americans. None of the possibilities are positive, making the reader realize the importance of pursuing dreams. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry. Many were jobless and poor, plus the Great Depression made rings worse. African Americans believed they couldn't have anything because of their race. Or fester like a sore--And then run? In this poem, the people of Harlem remember their past and want improvement. Does it stink like rotten meat? Or does it explode? Harlem by Langston Hughes. Some people work hard to accomplish their dreams while others put … Harlem, one of his briefest poems, is taught throughout middle schools, high schools and college English classrooms. “HARLEM” -- Langston Hughes What happens to a dream deferred? The message of this poem is that after WWl African Americans were waiting their lives to improve. Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1,1902 – May 22,1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. American poet Langston Hughes was the leader of the Harlem Renaissance that took place in the 1920s.Harlem Renaissance is an artistic, intellectual and literary movement that was formed by black intellectuals and was based in Harlem… At some point in our lives, we all have hopes and dreams for our future. Langston Hughes, an African-American poet who also wrote fiction and plays, was a crucial contributor to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. Langston Hughes was a key contributor during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. Harlem / Langston Hughes / What happens to a dream deferred? Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance in New York City. Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? That’s what Langston Hughes attempts to answer in this poem. Or crust and sugar over--like a syrupy sweet?