Dream Sounds

by Marlena

I dream so that the wind

will hear me coming

and step back to let me pass

I dream with eyes open

and fingertips grasping

and shoulders flung back

and elbows thrown wide

everyone tells me to

wake up

all my life I have said

yes yes yes

and tonight I’m learning

to say no

I pocket the silvery shadows

and smuggle them

just under my skin

into morning but

they never glow quite as bright

in the daylight

slipping away

sand in my fist

I dream so that the neighbors hear me

I dream so that the Gods hear me

everyone tells me

to wake up

I dream of

keeping my eyes squeezed shut

saying

no