Today she does not remember dreams. When she was a
child, she used to direct them; she remembers that. Serial dreams, she called
them (in her mind only; she told no-one). She would start a train of thought as
she lay waiting for sleep – always the story of a magical princess (herself).
She must outwit dangerous enemies and find a wondrous love. When she fell
asleep the story continued, unrolling like a movie. Next night she began again
where the movie had stopped.
Now she is old, reflecting on many yesterdays. She
has few dreams for the few tomorrows, but she has the memories of those old dreams
that did and didn’t come true. Yes there were lovers, yes there were enemies.
She remembers there was always adventure. She no longer needs to unroll her
possible future in dreams. The movie runs backwards now, in her waking hours –
sweet dreams she still enjoys.
Quiet, please,
bright moon through the pane –
the child sleeps.
the child sleeps.
Composed in response to dVerse's Haibun Monday 2 and a quotation from Kahlil Gibran: 'Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream'.
What a wonderful haiku.. I like the thought of serial dreams, I have never managed to bring coherence to my dreaming.. these days I would need it though, it seems to be just chaos when I sleep.
ReplyDeleteSelf-directed dreams unrolling like a movie. That seems like a fun way to live. Beautiful haiku!
ReplyDeletea beautiful haibun of contentment, peace and hope...
ReplyDeleteCan you do that..direct dreams.. I've tried and always fallen asleep or probably can't remember the next morning :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you have to be a child! :-)
DeleteThat's a wonderful haiku.
ReplyDeleteI read up to learn about the form haibun, so lovely to have this fresh one from you. Signed Linda
ReplyDeleteI like what is said here: http://www.baymoon.com/~ariadne/form/haibun.htm
DeleteReally delightful read indeed.
ReplyDeleteI like the nod to the movies, moving forward, and now running backward ~ I am glad that she is happy with some memories though ~ A lovely haibun, thanks for participating Rosemary ~
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I directed dreams in the same way as a child. The connection of now to that inner child is beautifully imaged here.
ReplyDeleteDreams will make the world go round. It's a question of when to start and to take it from there!
ReplyDeleteHank
Nice that many dreams have come true. It is good to be able to reflect on yesterday's dreams, but never too late to have new ones.
ReplyDeleteAh, love it very much, directed dreams...sometimes I try too...smiles...~ nice how you balanced the haibun with alert of sleeping baby haiku.
ReplyDeleteSerial dreams - I bet you still a few. This is a lovely write Rosemary. The haiku is also precious.
ReplyDeleteThe haiku touched a chord. What a lovely vignette!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful piece of writing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe first part of your haibun rang loud bells with me!
A child of dreams
ReplyDeletechild of vision
child of ways
so far beyond
culture.. religion ways
prophets live in child's
lucid dreams.. aLive..
LiVe agaiN..
eYes CHiLDreams
Phoenix True.. flAMe i..:)
Ah yes.
DeleteThis is a WONDERFUL read, my friend. Yes, the reels run backwards now, beautiful memories. I envy the child her ability to orchestrate dreams.
ReplyDeleteI still do that! Direct dreams.... I agree with Sherry - how wonderful to be able to orchestrate dreams and now, memories. The short verse at the end is beyond beautiful. Spencer is Kanzensakura.
ReplyDeleteThe haiku is magnificent, dark, & deep. Isn't it amazing the wisdom that bubbles to the surface as we age? Serial dreams are an intriguing plausibility. I have awakened sometimes & then returned to the dream I was having, but never on the next night. Marvelous take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteI have directed my dreams as well, especially as a child. This is really lovely.
ReplyDelete"the child sleeps"
perfect
Love this beautiful haibun, Rosemary. "The movie runs backwards now"...genius! I've directed myself to stop the dream before because it was frightening or I had just had enough.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly outstanding, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteOh, I just love the haiku... And yes, dreams... I had a run-on dream as a child, a nightmare, really, butbitnwas kind of amazing the way it would pick back up each night and continue. Perhaps our imaginations were more open then. Just lovely!
ReplyDelete