In the Mind’s Half Light of Dreaming
I
I dreamt of an over-exposed photograph of Town Hall
And a past lover, undressed and atop of me
II
Three worn golden keys, in an otherwise empty box
Belonging to a dresser with pastel colored corsets
Somewhere in a sprawling house, nestled in a vast expanse of vacant fields
III
Hurrying through a crowded country train
In search of a maiden, straight from the battered pages
Of a beloved children’s book
I touch her pale shoulder and she turns
And lean in to press my lips against hers
When I realise there’s been a case of mistaken identity
I apologise with sincerity
Before continuing my way down the carriage
Finally finding her alongside her faithful friend
(A sidekick of sorts)
Our mouths collide with anticipation
And a look of anguish tears across his youthful face
(A boy she was suppose to marry, or so the author had intended)
I shouldn’t be here
IV
Last night, I dreamt that you died
We wrapped arms around one another
As crimson paint poured from your eyes
Between mournful sobs I told you
‘I love you more that any living creature on this earth’
And when you spoke, your voice was like wind-chimes
Benjamin Blake was born in July, 1985, and grew up in the small town of Eltham, New Zealand. He is the author of the poetry collection, A Prayer for Late October, published by Hammer & Anvil Books. Find more of his work (and photography) at www.benjaminblake.com