IN MY DREAM

kindness to humanity

In my dream I roam the sidewalks

sometimes I stop to pet friendly dogs

out of love and kindness

even offer a treat

allergic, cannot own one

 

In my dream I am on a shopping spree

bristling with giggles and struggles

to fit into the smallest dress possible

for my sister’s wedding

squirms, wiggles, and zips

shimmering plum with hand sewn lace

I want to be conspicuous at the reception

 

As I leave the store with my brown box

I am boastful of my purchase

I smile and decide to walk home

a bright sunny day, the sky is forever

trees green with shimmering leaves

in the soft breeze

 

Soon, my eye catches a large plastic sack

a filthy sleeping bag , a brown paper bag

and two people, a woman and her daughter

forlorn faces, droopy eyes, no sleep

hair unkempt, faces void

I halt my walk and begin to shake

droplets fall to my cheeks

when I see an empty tin can

this very despondent sight compels me

to reflect on this circumstance

what should I do?

A few minutes musing and I reverse my stance

brown box in hand

return to the store with my dress

 

Cash in hand, I run to the disconsolate sight

find the small family and stuff the cash into their tin can

all the while crying for joy and betrayal

why is life so unfair

my sister will understand

perhaps another time, another dress

 

I awaken startled yet pleased

my dream taught me a lesson

about equality, kindness, awareness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reviewing!

Reviews

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

What a wonderful dream, dear Betty. Indeed a very life changing one. Many times, we tend to overlook these things a little unless or until we witness it ourselves. I love how you sacrificed your personal joy to satisfy the needs of the homeless mother and the daughter. The emotional shift from excitement to empathy is very moving. You are very kind, my friend.

Have an amazing day ❤️

[Betty Hermelee]

An extraordinary review, every word was meaningful to me…thank you!
Warmly, B

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

You're most welcome 🤗

[Poetic Beauty]

Oh the purple dress sounds heavenly and petting a dog even though allergic is a blessing within this dream. The homeless mother and child is a thought and image that breaks my heart. I have seen these circumstances in person. Longer story there. I’m glad you made the decision you made in your dream. It shows your true character and nature within even in the subconscious realm of a dream.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you PB for an excellent and personal review!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome. Short version my mother and a small group of people use to hand out sack lunches and water to the homeless.

[Patricia]

This is an issue close to my heart! I love this! Such a display in a dream is your angel reminding you of what is important. If more of us listened to those dreams it would be a better world. Sadly, it is getting worse but the good in your writing and soul is a way to help. Keep sharing and wake the kindness in others. Hugs!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear you! Your review is spot on and written with your inimitable style
Hugs back, B🌷

[Vol]

Betty,
Somebody had to write this... A foray into those decisions always in our face. Is EVERYTHING we do tainted by selfishness? Is it enough to feed a person for a day? Have I REALLY helped? Where will the destitute lay down tomorrow? Who will give them food? A place to sleep, to bathe, to collect themselves? It is all TOO much! But that simple moment of self-sacrifice IS something...
Vol

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank for your very realistic yet compassionate review…
Warmly, B

[Arundass TP]

Some dreams somehow I forgot last day to dream something good poem

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your kind words
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

How true and repeatable, that kind of happening can move a person to change direction. Have learned similar by being on the helpline. However dreams can and do show thoughts from a receptive mind and life. Have a feeling that whatever you might have chosen to wear would have had a touch extra of discreet something!

A fine moral in a finely laid write, dear friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

You are too cute! Dearest EM always enjoy your amazing reviews… hugs to you!
🌷🌷🌷🌷

[emmajoygreen]

02.13 and to sleep in a little while. Been doing paperwork - ugh! A few minutes here then - gorn!!!

Hope you've had a wonderful day. Take care, petal!

[emmajoygreen]

Reading once again. Needed to be reminded how your final words summed up the feeling of remembering how it is on the other side of the road. No matter our own glistgen or gloom.. there are others in such different places, optimistic of more likely these days.. with dread and tragedy knocking at their beings. You are a kind soul, through and through.

[Betty Hermelee]

AW....to kind my Em!

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, as ever always. Be happy.

[Ayvid N]

Good Morning Dear Betty,

Dreams have a very transcendental quality to them. They grip and possess your subconscious and acquaint you with things about you that you do not know yourself. The dream in this poem is one such dream that you have so beautifully created.

The protagonist who seems to be young has a life changing moment, discovers a very compassionate side of her that, perhaps, even took her by surprise. No doubt, this dream will leave the deepest impact on her and change her for the better, for all her life.

The poem has winning portrayals, lovely descriptions of things and people and a simple yet effective way of delivering its message.

She wakes up with a new found joy in living and giving and the reader smiles, so satisfied and replete with good feelings.

Kudos my friend!
💐🙋‍♀️💕

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks dear Divya for your prompt and inspiring review…. Love it! Warmly, B
.

[Ayvid N]

It was such a joy to read and review, dear Betty.
You're welcome. Keep sharing your journey of words always. Its precious.

[John the Baptist]

Sometimes dream provide instructions as to what to do in waking life. Many would have just kept on walking.

[Betty Hermelee]

Very true John, thank you always for your reviews and support

[Relic]

So many suffer in this life and it does make you question and feel terrible when you see it close up. Your dream told you how caring you are; how much humanity you have in your heart.

"I'd love to change the world...but I don't know what to do."

Nice one, Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a love,y review
Warmly, B

[Stella Armour]

The reality in dreams is often so overpowering that we wake up not sure if it was a dream at all for a moment.
Something that has touched us emotionally can often filter into dreams and create a scenario that stays with us, like bringing out sympathy or awareness as in this case as to what the right thing is to do in humility .....

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Stella for your thoughtful review
Warmly, B