“HarlemWhat 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?”

“What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”

“Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.”

“Words Like FreedomThere are words like FreedomSweet and wonderful to say.On my heartstrings freedom singsAll day everyday.There are words like LibertyThat almost make me cry.If you had known what I knowYou would know why.”

“I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.”

“My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

“Life is for the living.Death is for the dead.Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid.”