"Hold fast your dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly..." This well-known inspirational poem by Langston Hughes reflects his experience growing up in African-American culture. Rollo Dilworth's musical interpretation appropriately treats the text in a modal, quasi-blues style, giving it a sense of wonder and mystery. An easy vocal ostinato works with the piano accompaniment to support the lyric in this unique work.