Dreamscapes

When we close our eyes
to sleep, perchance to dream,
a fantasy world 
overtakes our consciousness
and reality slips away.
We end each day with a kiss 
and the mantra to 
dream good dreams
and of all good things.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes bizarre imagination
leaves me wondering
where the hell that come from.
Other times,
like last night,
nightmares come to call.
I find myself choking on silent screams,
trying to call for help that no one hears.
I cannot recall the reason why 
I am wrapped in fear;
there is no plot to this movie,
only vague memory
of people long dead,
some I hardly knew,
having bit parts 
in whatever this horror show is.
The back of my throat is dry
and my silent scream goes unheard.
But someone did hear.
He reaches out to gently wake me. 
His voice is soothing—
There, there. It's only a dream.
Awake in the dark,
I feel my protector 
softly snoring,
and know he will wake
in a moment if I need him.
I know I am safe. 
But the echoes of the dream
are a cold blanket
I cannot shake off.

~Elise Skidmore ©2025