TWO DREAMS
The room was breathing
the music light and 1960’s
He could feel the constraint
of the Marine aviators in the corner
as they fit themselves to the room
Cocktails were simple
bourbon, water
Next to him, his Mom and Dad
As the dream started to fade
he remembered
his father was dead
so quickly
he turned to him, saying
“Give me a hug”
They kind of hugged in life
it wasn’t a big thing
a meet and greet
So, to ask for one?
As I woke I could feel the
scratch of the wool sweater
his sport coat turned into as the
strength of his arms faded
away
It was a diner
that turned into a formica kitchen table
There were a few plants in the window sill
Sun angled down on a hand that
should have held a cigarette
because it was that kind of conversation
Eyes that saw everything
but never said it
until now
He was hearing her voice
the one she never shared
until now
It felt right hearing her
speak the under thoughts
That a mom didn’t reveal to her son
or even, perhaps, to her friends
Her voice was just a hard sound
not even words
But he understood every meaning
As my. dream faded
I was overwhelmed
with gratitude