~Chicago: In the Hypnopompic State of Illinois, USA
In the early hours of a brand new day, I back my car out of the garage and park it temporarily on the street. The ominous sky above tangles in my mind with the distant memories of a long-lost wife. Slowly my thoughts turn and wander around the corner where I find myself wondering if animals have dreams…
thunder brings the rain—
my cat curls up
to take a nap
on the dry side
of the window
What I’ve discovered is that dreams are bittersweet and memories are just along for the ride. Driving down the back alleys of my mind I see a sign that reads “NO U-TURN.” Breaking that law is just not possible. We’re not programmed that way…
rays bleeding
through wounded skies…
across the lake
a skipping stone eventually
complies with gravity
A car door opens somewhere inside my thoughts. I step out and begin to wonder where I’ll be tomorrow. I wonder if the squirrels in the almond trees believe in God. I wonder if God believes in me. I’m wandering through a forest of moments, dancing with my waking memories but the waking’s really all I need to begin another dream…
in the taste of morning
a fleeting dance
unfurls
as sunlight
greets the leaves
Atlas Poetica – Stacking Stones–Summer 2018