I Was Asleep But This Wasn'T a Dream

the room was dark and empty other than a floor lamp. other than a window leaking dusk, there was no light. the walls were slate like hopsital waiting rooms. i stood there, anticipating something. then, i saw him. looking just as i remembered him last. healthy, loving, alive. i ran up to him, "i can't believe it's you" with my arms reaching out, "i can't believe it's you" he tried telling me something. all i can remember is how he told me to tell my mother something important, something forgotten. it was as if the world picked up speed and all his words were in half time. everything was moving so fast i couldn't make his visit last. how i wish i could remember what he said deep in my slumber, maybe he could have lived through me. it all ended so soon, i was barely able to catch my breath before old papa went home to death.