Analysis
The first dream
had me
being slowed
being slowed
against my will
until I froze
by the road
(like Lot's wife-
a salt-lick rendering
of someone who wouldn't
listen)
just waiting
waiting
to get across
a cross.
The last dream
had me
on my knees
on my knees
at the top of a stair
to nowhere
or somewhere
little telling where
while
waiting
waiting
still
though this time
submitting
and willing
so listening.
It's been a long time
a long climb
with
small steps
and
big moves.
AW Starkey
October 12, 2002
Needing a Dream or Two
My spirit's always looking
For some dream to walk around in
Where she counts among her friends
A white snake in a chalice of blood,
A monkey king who meditates in a cave
And a black madonna in a gore-tex jacket.
Instead, I drag her
Into pedestrian, day-lit certainties
Wrapped in concretized routines
And problem-solving methodologies
Fit for formulae full of fractions-
Fractions of an alliterate life.
Whoever dreamed of 3/8?
The only equation worth solving
Is the one Orpheus solved.
And yet, when the light dims
For a great adventure to unfold
From behind the visible screen,
I fall asleep with a haughty indifference,
Oblivious to my spirit's need
To find a dream or two.
Perhaps tonight there'll be a chance
I'll leave the fractions behind
And become more gracious.
AW Starkey
October 19, 2002
