The Dream

That night I had slept peacefully,
no repeating of the nightmare of a few nights before.
In my dream I had heard a voice.
The voice was loud and clear.
“Clifford Olson is dead.”
There was no repetition, no explanation,
only my son’s name and the stark pronouncement.
I fought out of the terror, to wakefulness.
The realization that I had been dreaming
slowed my racing heart but
did not dim the horror.
Throughout that day and a few days to follow, 
the voice followed, repeating the phrase,
over and over.

I had spoken to my son.
He was fine.
The voice still rang in my ears.

That night I had slept peacefully.
Then a voice again.
This time it was soft, sweet and sorrowful,
my daughter’s voice.

“Mama, Mama wake up.” 



By:  Joyce Johnson  Won first place

For Constance~ A Rambling Poet contest, "Create Your Own Form, Maybe?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
December 7, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Congratulations Joyce on your excellent poetry being featured this week on PoetrySoup. May you have many more features. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
December 5, 2010 at 2:25 PM
Congrats Joyce on your featured poem this week on the Soup my friend.. a great one to share with us all today with luv..
Dufresne Avatar
December 4, 2010 at 4:46 PM
congratulations Joyce on your first place win here.
Kendrick Avatar
November 23, 2010 at 2:36 PM
Congratulations on your win in this fine contest..Sad, Sara
Dietrich Avatar
November 15, 2010 at 8:34 PM
wow, a very eerie and powerful write from you, Joyce. Was this sad tale based on fact? Congrats for your top place! Luv, Andrea
Brown Avatar
November 15, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Congratulations on your 1st Place win Joyce in Constance's contest "Create Your Own Form, Maybe?". Love, Carol
Melody Lightning Ink Avatar
November 15, 2010 at 3:38 AM
Congratulations on your EXCELLENT VICTORY MRS JOY...LOVE, Lightening Ink.
Mehta Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Joyce... vow for notching 1st place in the contest. congrats my friend.... Luv/Best wishes ...........Hitendra Mehta
Mannan Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Joyce this is the most touching poem I have ever read. Many congratulations for this well deserved win.
Devonshire Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 10:03 AM
You will never lose your memories, Joyce. People say losing a child is the most painful of all experiences. My heart goes out to you. Thanks for you kind words on Mark Twain. His humor always gave me smiles. Blessings and love, Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 8:36 AM
I just read your other poem about your son, Joyce, so I'm sure it was painful to write this. Congratulations on taking the top spot in Constance's contest! Love, Carolyn
Richards Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 8:15 AM
What a haunting, and emotional personal story, Joyce. Written with such emotion. Well done and well deserving this 1st place honor. Love Carrie
Sweetheart Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 7:28 AM
Congrats Joyce on your first place win with this wonderful entry so wonderfully written .. a well deserved first place my friend..enjoy with luv this happy Sunday...
Mehta Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 4:13 AM
Congratulations on this well deserved win, Joyce
La France Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Congratulations Joyce on first place in my contest with this overwhelming dramatic poem, it left me breathless, please send me your address by soup mail, so I may send your Certificate Of Achievement in poetry~~ Love Constance
Culverhouse Avatar
November 9, 2010 at 8:29 AM
enjoyed...yet sad too...
Onclaud Avatar
November 8, 2010 at 12:32 PM
sparkling element of suspense,joyce... wonderfully scribed.. good luck in the contest! warmest, nette
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