No Dream*

Closing my eyes to sleep
I thought of her
Hoping to steer my dreams
In her direction.

Concentrating
Upon the spark
In her hazel eyes
I considered
Their autumnal blaze.
The welcome in them.

When I awakened
It was 1:11 a.m.

I’d had no dream.

Face into my pillow
I tried again.

Her lips were turned
In a perpetual smile
Though not in expression of humor.
They extended invitation
Passion
Desire.

When I awakened
It was 5:45 a.m.

I’d had no dream.

I lay on my side
In the early predawn.
I thought of her body
Delicate
Soft skin
Perfectly proportioned
Designed
And anxious for love.

When I awakened
It was 8:22 a.m.

I’d had no dream.

But I will try again tonight
Knowing that the only thing worse
Than having no dream of her
Is having one
Knowing she sleeps
At the side of another.

*Reminding you these poems are sometimes personal and autobiographical, sometimes purely fiction. I'll let you guess which is what. Just enjoy them for what they are. I'm betting we have all tried to direct our dreams in Hollywood fashion, usually with no success (whether the dream did or did not occur!).