The One True Dream Poem by Daniel Brick
The One True Dream
I was sitting under an oak tree
in a vast, trackless forest,
alone, until I saw a hooded figure
stride passed me. I said, 'Are you, too,
a searcher through the abyss? '
There was no response from him.
I touched his shoulder, merely
to make him faced me with his denial.
Suddenly -
my hand, my arm, my shoulder -
every nerve ending within -
glowed and tingled, brightened
beyond expectation. As he turned stiffly
to face me, I saw he was
a luminous creature...
I awoke, still heightened
in every nerve, and
HE WAS THERE
in his radiant gold-body,
with his incandescent face,
just across the bed from me.
I blinked again and again,
but he remained still
and silent, in the same place,
and the shining strength
of his presence calmed me.
My fear should have been
a paroxysm of terror, my
sleep invaded, my house
invaded... but I slept,
twice I awoke, the second time
he was gone... For three days,
I mediated all disputes, brought
composure to troubled friends,
helped strangers find their
way, had ample time for joy.
At this time, my philosophy of life was existentialist, not in the atheistic version of Sartre but in the Christian version of Gabriel Marcel. However, miracles have never been part of my world-view, and I felt uncomfortable when this colleague pulled me aside and shared these eerie stories of preternatural events. As far as I know, he never confided in anyone else on the staff. So gradually, I accepted the fact that there was something in me that won his trust; I also accepted the fact he had to tell someone if only to objectify these events.
When he told me this story of the dream and subsequent vision, I wrote it out in a notebook and several years later turned into a poem. The poem version is my way of objectifying an experience that I consider psychological rather than visionary. Eventually, both of us ended up in different schools and never crossed paths again.
radiant gold-body, luminous figure - such poems I like most! thank you! Miracle - 'Any event that increases your faith! - wise definition! In the play, SAINT JOAN - in what play?
Mercy. Your other poems I've enjoyed very much, but this one strikes me at a whole different depth. It is not the form, though beautiful, that penetrates my poetic soul, rather the power and amazing grace (if you will) of the content, the way of expression that this poem has a life unto itself, or perhaps of something much greater. Whether or not the event is an actual one is not the point, the fact is the way in which you have presented it gives the story undeniable truth, it really has happened, and does happen every time someone reads it. An absolutely brillant work. I love it. A favorite, indeed.
Somehow Daniel, i think it is psychological too. But isn't this fantastic psychology. A dream and then three days of being able to help others like never before. The way our brain works is truly amazing. The effects of faith, the effects of inner motivation on the capabilities of humans and on events unfolding in our lives are truly mind boggling. I do think that quantum physics and psychology of faith and expectations do touch each other. This is a wonderful story.
Love the stories your pieces tell. The accompanying note is very helpful. I've always felt the ones who come into our life for short periods are either in our life to learn from us or vice versa. One the pupil and one the teacher. But then sometimes I also think we could be both. Teacher and student. Can you tell I'm a Libra? Never ask me to make a decision!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/19/2024 7:21:18 PM # 1.0.0.1119
How wonderful and fortunate when we meet a soul who inflames our desire to evolve and give service to our fellow human beings. The gift of your poem stirs this desire immensly. Thank you Daniel.