Not the Thing From a Dream

She was next to me, on a beach, she seemed so real. Tired from early morning wake up, lulled to sleep, by the cascading rhythm of ocean waves, how could I be sure? A gift, a keepsake, the answer. Discovered in the gift shop, of a historic hotel, a dolphin of glass, matched the multicolored pattern, of sun protection she wore, keeping the memory of her best friend near. The gift, tangible, could be held, Proof she was really there, not the woman, frequently walking through my daydreams. Will we ever be close enough, when work and fatigue, and miles traveled to see, removes all doubt, that she no longer walks in my daydreams, but close enough for eyes to see, close enough that it could always be.