My Little Dreams
The poem explores themes of hope, loss, and the fragility of dreams. The speaker reflects on the act of folding away their dreams, suggesting a desire to protect themselves from the pain associated with unfulfilled aspirations. The imagery of "folding" implies a careful, deliberate action, indicating the weight of these dreams and the emotional burden they carry. As the speaker grapples with the passage of time, they acknowledge the toll it takes on their spirit, represented by the "fell relentless art" that marks their brow. This suggests a sense of inevitability and the harsh realities of life that overshadow their once-vibrant dreams. The act of praying to forget indicates a longing for relief from the emotional turmoil caused by these aspirations, highlighting the tension between hope and despair. The poem captures a moment of introspection, where the speaker confronts their inner turmoil and the struggle to reconcile their dreams with the harshness of reality. The repetition of the phrase "folding up my little dreams" emphasizes the significance of this act, portraying it as both a protective measure and a painful acknowledgment of loss. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the bittersweet nature of dreams, illustrating the delicate balance between aspiration and the acceptance of life's limitations.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 65 words
First lines
I'm folding up my little dreams Within my heart tonight, And praying I may soon forget The torture of their sight.
For time's deft fingers scroll my brow With fell relentless art --
I'm folding up my little dreams Tonight, within my heart.
What this Textopian page supports
My Little Dreams is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Confessional, Modernism
- Length: 65 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores personal emotions and introspection.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of dreams and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Confessional — The intimate exploration of personal dreams and struggles reflects confessional poetry.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · Early 20th Century Writing · Southern Gothic · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Simile · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age