Karaoke

I had friends that would keep track of my dreams

They made lists out of them, like they had a spiral notebook in their pocket just for me. 

I had a lover that knew my darkest secrets, and he said he would never tell. 

A bear with butterfly wings. A purple dragonfly. A wolf with a lion’s heart. 

They’re still close, when I’m asleep  

Or when I am dancing to a silhouette in the window, alone at home

I see glimmers of them behind me, by my side or sitting down. 

My mother used to say that I was gifted in that way 

I didn’t know what she meant, at the time. 

I look for inspiration in basement bars

Strangers singing their heartache and joys-

Overcoming a fear worse than death itself, and I am humbled.

Maybe someday I will crystallize my dreams again

Pull them from a spiral notebook 

And bring my ghosts to dance with you, too

But I am so, so tired

Goodnight

Sleep well, and wake.