Writer’s Craft Poem Practice
Name:
Dreams
 Read the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes. Then,
use the choices in the box below to identify as many
Writer’s Crafts as you can. Crafts may be used more than
once.
Repetition
Alliteration
Word Choice
Imagery
Metaphor
Creating Emphasis
Hold fast to
dreams For if
dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
- Langston Hughes
Craft
Text
Writer’s Craft Poem, Practice © 2013, Lauren Colletti. All Rights Reserved.
1. Why do you think the title of this poem is “Dreams?”
2. What do you notice about the first line of each stanza? What is the effect of repeating
this line?
3. What is the rhyme scheme of this poem?
4. Which craft do you find most effective? Why?
5. Write an additional stanza for the poem. Try to recreate Mr. Hughes’ style as closely as
you can. Keep in mind his format, including rhyme scheme and repetition.
Writer’s Craft Poem, Practice © 2013, Lauren Colletti. All Rights Reserved.