Jack Haven

"My Childlike Dream"

I had a dream one time
Like children often do
That I had once again upset you
After me you came screaming
That life had you given me,
And as gladly would take it back.

I had a dream one time
Like children often do
That with a carving knife you came
In your right hand, clenched fist in the left
To end my mischief all at once,
As you said you would if I was bad.

I had a dream one time
Like children often do
That I stood drenched with urine and sweat
Between your rage and the indifferent wall
And you prepared to stab me,
When I shut my eyes and fought right back.

I had a dream one time
Like children often do
That you lay supine with wet cherry
Wood jutting from your breast
And I fell on my knees at your left,
Crying on your cooling chest.

I had a dream one time
Like children often do
That I would never cry again
As long as you lay upon your back
But I fell to yet another day,
And wished to dream that dream again.