A POEM FROM A DREAM (OR NIGHTMARE?)

 One night I had an emotional dream and so this poem evolved.

CLIMB by Rose Lefebvre

The dream unnerved me,

left fear in my heart,

my body trembling.

It was a towering tree,

a tree empty of life.

Neither top or bottom

could be seen, only more dubious

branches above, broken ones below.

Murky grey fog surrounded me,

no light, yet I felt it was somewhere above

if only I could climb high enough.

Each step I took higher

I would feel that branch

give way ‘neath my feet.

Each stride exhausted me,

yet urgency drew me up.

I believed if I stopped

I would perish.

Reach up!

Reach higher!

Continue to climb!

Stay alive!

 

Is this what it’s like

when in your last hours?

A weakening struggle to live

yet slowly surrendering,

gradually tiring?

What did it mean?

This dream nightmare,

left me shaken,

pondering.

It was not real.