Poet Lee Bennett Hopkins has based his long career on the principle that poetry and a love of reading are necessities for children. Among other writings, he has more than 150 books for children to his name, including the anthology All the World’s a Stage. Here, he revisits Dreams, a favorite book by his friend Ezra.
Relooking at Dreams, one can see images captured by Ezra of sights, feelings and moods of a scorching-hot city night. People are seen from their windows—a mother kissing her baby, someone watering a lonely potted plant, a child petting a dog—all depicted in incredible collage and acrylic paintings. Those, only a master of the art could produce.
In the text, Roberto struggles to fall asleep after a series of late-night escapades. The last pages of the book read: ‘Morning came, and everybody was getting up. Except one person. Roberto was fast asleep, dreaming.’
I picture Ezra looking out the window of his East Side apartment, possibly peering into other windows, thinking about his childhood years, growing up in Brooklyn—his dreams. Now, his dreams fulfilled.
He gave the world dreams. He continues to give them, and will to future generations of children. As Langston Hughes wrote, ‘Hold fast to dreams.…’ Ezra held fast. Good night, dear man.”
Relooking at Dreams, one can see images captured by Ezra of sights, feelings and moods of a scorching-hot city night. People are seen from their windows—a mother kissing her baby, someone watering a lonely potted plant, a child petting a dog—all depicted in incredible collage and acrylic paintings. Those, only a master of the art could produce.
I picture Ezra looking out the window of his East Side apartment, possibly peering into other windows, thinking about his childhood years, growing up in Brooklyn—his dreams. Now, his dreams fulfilled.
