Kitchenette Building Dreams, Hopes, and Plans Quotes

This first mention of dreams isn't exactly a ringing endorsement. Things that aren't strong are probably weak. A weak dream doesn't likely stand much of a chance of coming true.

Looks like we're getting a sense of what these dreams are up against—tough stuff, the grind and stink of everyday life. Brooks begins to pose the question at the heart of the poem: Will a "giddy," "not strong" dream be able to rise above it all?

This line echoes the question of lines 4–6. The speaker seems to think it unlikely that a dream could create its beautiful music in a place of such racket. It would seem out of place, like someone dressed in a ball gown to wash the bathroom floor.

Here's an interesting twist. In order for a dream to come true, you'd probably have to accept it—commit to the idea of it, make plans to realize it, and takes steps in your daily life toward it. It would take a big chunk of your time and resources (not unlike raising a child). What Brooks is getting at in this line is that some people, even if they really want to, don't necessarily have time or space to let a dream in.

Looks like there's more to a dream than just doing, there's thinking and feeling, too. Not only would you need the time and space in your life to devote to your dream, you'd also need the mental and emotional space. That's tough stuff to come by when you're worrying about the zillion things you need to do and the family you need to take care of.

Listen, people living in kitchenettes don't even have to time think about a dream, let alone go after one. As harsh as it may seem, their lives are dedicated to survival.