Building a Dream

("Outside Looking In Merit Badge", 2011, original oil) Building a Dream My whole life I have been observing myself Steadily, obsessively telling a story, Sure, throughout the day, from to time, I lose myself In work and play and focus on others But inevitably the focus returns to me And all those other moments get added to my story. This is an obsession that never rests As the watchfulness that never sleeps Continues to gaze wherever, in, out, around While my program runs on top Piecing it all together Into a whole greater than the parts. Now that I am old and the story is long and rich I can see this life’s work, as natural as it is, Has perhaps been misguided Flawed by a fundamental compulsive program Of being me A dreamer never really free of the dream. (7/29/24)