Dream Hunting Poem by Michael Hunter

Dragging in a deep breath I sit up with a start
and all around me, like wet moldy blankets,
the feel and taste of my dreams hang -
Suffocating and wet.

My hands are still curled in angry fists
and my breath is ragged and fast.
The bright taste of copper fills my mouth
and I am shaking.

Back stiff and sore, muscles shaking
from previous exertion, rivulets of
sweat trickle down my back and chest
and each heartbeat pulses red in my eyes.

And all I can think is 'I will kill him - I will
KILL HIM! ' Each time I think it, my teeth
clench and grind down hard, and I drag
suffocating air through flared nostrils.

Then, a hand from the dark gently touches
my back, and a whispered voice speaks
my name, and suddenly I am awake, alive
away, safe and cared for - loved.

With that knowledge I begin to shake
and moan. The realization of the dream
recedes slowly as if it were reluctant to let
me go - and I relax under her touch.

Her soft voice asks if I'm alright, and with
a sob I melt into her arms and she holds me
close - close enough to feel her heart beating
with my own. Her nearness a comfort.

Gently she touches me and the tension and
fear leave my tight and painful body. At last
I roll to my side and she spoons behind me
and I drift once more to sleep.

Unbidden, I hunt and search - knowing
I will find him - and when I do, I know my
hands will clutch him tight and squeeze the
life from him like tepid water. I must. I must.

© 2008 Michael Hunter