Is it so much to ask
just to have one happy dream?
I mean, without my excruciating grief creeping in
through the open window
that\'s been left ajar below,
slithering up the stairs
as if he was a lost and hungry snake
searching for Medusa
eventually slithering up the leg of my old oak bed
resting right beside me
as I dream my loss?
is it too much to ask,
that for once
I actually have a pleasant dream
one that isn\'t painted black in gore
awakening me breathlessly in terror?