Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Tomorrow," Langston Hughes captures the essence of deferred hope and the uncertainty of the future through a brief yet evocative meditation on time and economic hardship. The poem juxtaposes the abstract concept of "tomorrow" with the immediate, concrete reality of trying to purchase a pack of cigarettes, creating a powerful commentary on the dissonance between aspirations and the harshness of everyday life.

The poem opens with the line, "Tomorrow may be / a thousand years off," suggesting that the future, while often talked about as if it’s just around the corner, can feel impossibly distant. This phrase highlights the elusive nature of "tomorrow," a concept that promises change or improvement but often remains out of reach, especially for those struggling with immediate concerns.

Hughes then shifts to a more specific image: "TWO DIMES AND A NICKEL ONLY / says this particular / cigarette machine." The emphasis on the exact amount of money required by the cigarette machine serves as a stark contrast to the abstract notion of "tomorrow." Here, the speaker is confronted with the very real, present concern of not having enough money. The cigarette machine becomes a symbol of the immediate needs and small transactions that occupy one's day-to-day life, often overshadowing larger, more distant hopes and dreams. The specificity of "TWO DIMES AND A NICKEL ONLY" underscores the rigidity and inaccessibility of even the smallest pleasures when one is economically constrained.

Hughes then notes that "Others take a quarter straight," indicating that other machines have a different requirement—perhaps easier or more straightforward, but still another obstacle to overcome. This variation in the cost hints at the arbitrary nature of life's demands and the differing challenges people face. While some obstacles may be easily overcome with the right resources, others require a precise combination that not everyone possesses.

The final lines, "Some dawns / wait," introduce a contemplative tone, suggesting that while certain changes or new beginnings might be delayed, they still hold the promise of eventual arrival. The word "dawns" symbolizes new opportunities or fresh starts, but the fact that they "wait" implies that these moments of hope and renewal are often postponed, leaving individuals in a state of anticipation. The use of "some" suggests that not all dawns are delayed—implying that for some, the future does indeed bring change, but for others, it remains elusive.

"Tomorrow" is a poem that masterfully conveys the tension between the aspirational and the immediate, the distant hope and the present reality. Hughes uses the image of a cigarette machine and its specific demands as a metaphor for the daily struggles that can make the future feel unattainable. The contrast between the abstract and the concrete, the future and the now, reflects the lived experience of many who find themselves caught in cycles of economic hardship, where the promise of "tomorrow" seems perpetually deferred.

Through its brevity and simplicity, the poem leaves the reader with a poignant sense of the fragility of hope and the relentlessness of everyday challenges. Hughes, as always, captures the human condition with empathy and insight, reminding us that while we may dream of better tomorrows, we often have to contend with the harsh demands of today.

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