The Dream

I had a dream the other night, a dream of
loss and redemption.
Emanations of despair and desperation
roll off of the pavement below
in waves as heat rolls off of it during
high summer - A longing fills me; I want.
My barriers are breaking, crumbling to dust
I reach to grasp in blind selfishness...
fumbling, then stumbling, I falter
The contentment and warmth seeps through
my fingertips, tottering on the brink I
realize my abhorrence for myself
A terrible violence sweeps through me and
I leap... falling, screaming
I mourn
the ground rushes to meet me and I...

Strike the pavement, Rising I see a crack!
My emotions are deadened, washed out
Looking, peeping in I see the words...
Heaven or Hell

Joshua Ronald Fornelli copyright 2000