The Dream

I can't remember why nor where

I found myself in some despair

For after some exhaustive search

Near the creek, round a husky birch,

a heavy heart subdued my mind;

My favourite ring I couldn't find.

And learning 'gainst a wooden fence

Swamped by world's cruel indifference

I found cheer in the skylark's song,

As well as the warm breeze brought on

By a friendly sun's golden rays

As it caressed the hills that day

Then, looking up the old dirt road

Which, twisting like a thread of gold

Vanished somewhere in the distance

You suddenly appeared, by chance

And while greeting me asked to learn,

The main reason for my concern

"That ring you gave me many years ago

To happy childhood days it makes me go

For when its turquoise hues I contemplate

A magic wonderland it does create

With precious stones awash in treasure chests

And carpets flying over minarets.

My dewey eyed explanation

Proved to be a revelation

Your poise did change

Which was so strange

There was no rush, no watch to stare

This problem you were glad to share.

And after good and sound advice

On how to find my valued prize

As abruptly as you appeared

You turned around and disappeared

With no goodbyes — so distantly

While two black crows cawed mockingly.

Alice Glanville

Swansea Writers' Society