A Dream Deferred What 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? Langston Hughes (1902-1967) He was known as the "O. Henry of Harlem" and was born in Joplin, Missouri and educated at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. His work has been translated into more than 25 languages.