Deux-Sevres

I dreamt about France again
You were waiting in the garden;
a man at peace
Your gaze uninterrupted
as smoke leaked and ash dropped

Were you contemplating the ripeness of the plums or your inner beast?
I did not disturb you
I just looked on from the side

The overwhelming relief
that you were there
stopped me from calling out

Or was it the knowing that this dream was not real? That I could not hide?

I wished to look into your eyes
Hear your voice
See your smile

But I knew if you saw me and I saw you, you would know the pain I feel and the loss you created

That’s why this dream is mine
I’ll watch you from the patio
and stare more for a while