Episode 26/30. ‘HARLEM’ performed by poet Langston Hughes & Paul O’Mahony #NaPodPoMo

From Cork With Love - by Paul O'Mahony · Nov 28, 2025 · 2m

You hear Langston Hughes (1901 - 1967) perform his very short & influential poem ‘Harlem’. You also hear Paul O'Mahony read the poem - twice. (The second reading is a much better listen.)

The poem is to be found In his book of 91 poems “Montage of a dream deferred”.

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Harlem

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?

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Listen to the full series…