Dreamtime: State Fair of Mind

DREAMTIME: STATE FAIR OF MIND 

the barren vendor 
 sold wishes 
 to those 

 hoping 
 to 
 forget 

 at the back of the room 
 wizened old men 
 sat together on a bench 
 across from old fur hats 

 tricornes and hamburgs 
 bowlers and fedoras 
 high hats, admiral hats 
 and others 
 too rare 
 for my knowledge 
 or experience 
 all positioned firmly 
 on 
 head stretchers 
 covered in dust 

 a reminder 
 linking the past 

 now 
  the old Black man 
 who governed this booth 
 sold large 
 round chocolate bars 
 handmade 
 of finest quality 

 he offered my friend one 
 but 
 strangely 
 ignored me 

 everyone 
 gathered in the field 
 as wagons passed by 
 on parade 

 the 
 atmosphere 
 was quite gay 
 carnival like 

 friends 
 waving to each other 

 no 
 one 
 recognized 
 me
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Thomas Avatar
April 16, 2018 at 12:13 PM
An intriguing dream I wish I could sit and listen to more of Jim. This is hauntingly wonderful.
Goff Avatar
April 16, 2018 at 7:09 PM
Thanks FJ...would love to tell you!
A   Avatar
May 13, 2011 at 6:51 PM
James.. congratulations on your wonderful feature of the week... I sure enjoyed... take care,..p.d
Gorelick Avatar
May 9, 2011 at 4:45 PM
not sure I got it..but I sure liked it. congrats on being featured.l BG
Brown Avatar
May 9, 2011 at 10:24 AM
James,congratulations on your well deserved poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
Austin Avatar
May 9, 2011 at 7:59 AM
All the smoke, spitoons and old time flavor. Love this dream and the way you unfold it. Congrats on this super write. Love, daver
Goff Avatar
April 16, 2018 at 7:08 PM
Miss you Daver r.i.p. my longtime friend...
Mehta Avatar
May 9, 2011 at 5:26 AM
Conratulations on your poem being featured this week, James
Sweetheart Avatar
May 8, 2011 at 4:51 PM
Congrats james on your featured poem this week on P.S. .. a great one to share with us all my friend with luv... on this special day of luv..
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
September 1, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Sometimes that's a blessing. Sometimes it just hurts. Vince
Loveless Avatar
June 11, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Invisible To Others. A Known Feeling In My Life.
Beck Avatar
April 5, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I get that alot. :)
Esquire Avatar
March 17, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Dear Jim, This reminds me of the Beatles song "NOWHERE MAN" I have been Here in THIS POEM I even waved to those who did not see me ALWAYS YOURS...HG
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace