Last night I dreamt of autumn embers
dancing in the air.
I dreamt of empty bottles and a lit cigarette,
a weakness and a flame.
Last night I watched as the seasons changed.
I watched as our home was engulfed
in waves of yellow, orange and red,
a weakness and a flame.
Last night I dreamt I heard a voice
from beyond a wall of fire.
I heard a window shatter and sirens sing,
a choir and a prayer.
Last night I waited for a familiar face to emerge.
I waited for a familiar phrase to echo
between tears and silence,
a choir and a prayer.
Last night I dreamt of autumn embers
dancing in the air.

Rights & Access

This poem was submitted for the "Poetry for the Mind's Joy" project and is reproduced here with permission from the author. All rights reserved. Poetry for the Mind's Joy is Poet Laureate Kay Ryan's project that includes a community college poetry contest administered by the Community College Humanities Association and a lively videoconference.
  • Richard Long

    Owens Community College, Toledo, OH

    Faculty Advisor: Leonard Kress, Associate Professor, Communications, Humanities, and Languages