A Fresh Poem: "The Dream"

On the reality of hope.

Joseph Wright of Derby, Penelope Unraveling Her Web, English, 1783–1784, Oil on canvas.

Dear friends,

Here is a short fresh poem for your week, with commentary below for my (very kind) paid subscribers. If you wish, you can also find a recording of me reading it over on my Twitter/X account. I hope you enjoy it.

-Paul

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The Dream
by Paul J. Pastor

I woke, and all the kingless world was bleak.
I slept, and earth was governed by the meek.

I woke, and there was roaring from the south.
I slept, and children stopped the lion’s mouth.

I woke, and saw the locust eat the wheat.
I slept, and wept before the mercy seat.

I know I sojourn in the land of seem.
But which is real, my God? And which the dream?

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This short poem addresses the question of which is more real, the world as we presently experience it, or the world of our inward hope. This is not a simple question.