Sandra Forte-Nickenig’s most recent poem to appear here was The Artist, published as part of Contributor Series 11: On Birthdays (June 2012).
Deferred Dreams
(with deference to Langston Hughes)
By Sandra Forte-Nickenig
I know what happens to dreams deferred.
They knit the fabric of restlessness
sow seeds of discontent,
swirl in your belly and tug at your heart
circle your mind and beg for respect.
They grip your temple and whisper, why not
jump rope and build skyscrapers,
muse of sonnets and battle diversions.
They fight defeat and compose a victory march,
dance on toes while you sweep floors
write short stories when you clean drawers.
I know what happens to dreams deferred.
They perch on a precipice and
celebrate the birth of unfilled potential.
The best poem ever written about procrastination and so true to Langston Huges.
They perch on a precipice and
celebrate the birth of unfilled potential.
My favorite lines:
“They perch on a precipice and
celebrate the birth of unfilled potential.”
You are one of my favorite poets.
Great poem, Sandy. Perfect sumation.
I agree!