Inside a Dream

I shut my eyes, but my mind

works overtime. All light fades into

the peaceful night. As the day winds

down, I can hear the sound

of my weary heart beating.

Finally, my thoughts can roam free

and do as they please. Now that I am

still, I recall the days that slipped away.

I can remember the things I wish

I did and the conversations I didn’t

have. Like an ever-flowing river,

my feelings take me to places

I used to live. Oh, the things

I would give to say “I love you”

one last time. These hours of darkness

seem to be the hardest hill to climb.

When I lie awake, I try to count sheep,

but I often lose track as they leap.

I have visions of uncanny aberrations.

My mind projects scenes of my past

onto a screen nailed to the inside

of my skull. Deep in my mind’s eye,

to my surprise, I take a front row seat

in an empty theater to watch a film

based on true events. The film begins

and buried memories rise to the surface.

I relinquish all control as I slip deep into

oblivion. As images flash across the screen,

my mind takes a stroll down memory lane.

I travel down familiar roads. I wave

to old friends as I pass by. I thank those

who have helped me find myself.

I hike down a distant trail leading me

to my family tree. I lay under it. I reminisce

and feel bliss. I study every branch

on the tree and give it a hug before I leave.

The screen fades to black; tears fall from

my eyes. I get up from my seat and move

toward the back door. I walk under the exit

sign. An ethereal light distorts my sight.

I take another step toward the edge

of consciousness. I jump and freefall

before landing inside of a dream.

It took longer than it seemed.

When I hit the ground, I look around

and see those who I have lost. I find

the strength to stand up and embrace

the people I love and can’t replace.

I open my eyes and realize that it was

all a dream. Sadness washes over my body,

but I feel at peace knowing that the dearly

departed were there to check on me –

finishing what they started. I shut my eyes,

and seamlessly slip back into another

dream. I enter a world not bound to time:

a familiar place that I have been.

I walk around until I see you again.