IN MY DREAM

kindness to humanity

In my dream I roam the sidewalks

sometimes I stop to pet friendly dogs

out of love and kindness

even offer a treat

allergic, cannot own one

 

In my dream I am on a shopping spree

bristling with giggles and struggles

to fit into the smallest dress possible

for my sister’s wedding

squirms, wiggles, and zips

shimmering plum with hand sewn lace

I want to be conspicuous at the reception

 

As I leave the store with my brown box

I am boastful of my purchase

I smile and decide to walk home

a bright sunny day, the sky is forever

trees green with shimmering leaves

in the soft breeze

 

Soon, my eye catches a large plastic sack

a filthy sleeping bag , a brown paper bag

and two people, a woman and her daughter

forlorn faces, droopy eyes, no sleep

hair unkempt, faces void

I halt my walk and begin to shake

droplets fall to my cheeks

when I see an empty tin can

this very despondent sight compels me

to reflect on this circumstance

what should I do?

A few minutes musing and I reverse my stance

brown box in hand

return to the store with my dress

 

Cash in hand, I run to the disconsolate sight

find the small family and stuff the cash into their tin can

all the while crying for joy and betrayal

why is life so unfair

my sister will understand

perhaps another time, another dress

 

I awaken startled yet pleased

my dream taught me a lesson

about equality, kindness, awareness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reviewing!

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

Someone touched you inner bring in a dream, you sprang into an altruistic deed.
You will reap your blessings as you bless others.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sami, for a thoughtful review!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Betty.
Thankfully, Sami.

[Chris Shaw]

Such beautiful sentiment in this write. If only we all did a bit more to make the world a better place. Dream or not, it shows the heart is in the right place. Really uplifting post dear Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you very much dear Chris!
Warmly, B

[Soren]

Such a nice way to present the lesson learned as in a dream. Dreams can teach us things and kindness is one of the most important which is sadly lacking today. Very nice Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Soren, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Gee]

This reveals so much about you Betty.
Am inclined to pay shortfalls of others when in supermarkets or corner shops, guess that comes from growing up in a twice splintered home and having the bare minimum of all things including food:)
Hope you are well Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Gee for a lovely review, so much appreciated!!!
Warmly, B

[Nima.Hope]

Life would be more unfair if we couldn't even dream. The positive and heart warming vibe of your poem is lovely. Wish you always dream beautifully💙.
A pleasure to read this poem.
Nima

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Nima doe a lovely review!
Warmly, B

[Desert Knave]

I like this. One thing that caught my eye was "...shimmering plum with hand sewn lace.". I love weddings and receptions for the conspicuous dresses, especially bridesmaids in truly garish colors. ~Jim

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Jim for your lovely review
Warmly, B

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

What a wonderful dream, dear Betty. Indeed a very life changing one. Many times, we tend to overlook these things a little unless or until we witness it ourselves. I love how you sacrificed your personal joy to satisfy the needs of the homeless mother and the daughter. The emotional shift from excitement to empathy is very moving. You are very kind, my friend.

Have an amazing day ❤️

[Betty Hermelee]

An extraordinary review, every word was meaningful to me…thank you!
Warmly, B

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

You're most welcome 🤗

[Poetic Beauty]

Oh the purple dress sounds heavenly and petting a dog even though allergic is a blessing within this dream. The homeless mother and child is a thought and image that breaks my heart. I have seen these circumstances in person. Longer story there. I’m glad you made the decision you made in your dream. It shows your true character and nature within even in the subconscious realm of a dream.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you PB for an excellent and personal review!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome. Short version my mother and a small group of people use to hand out sack lunches and water to the homeless.

[Patricia]

This is an issue close to my heart! I love this! Such a display in a dream is your angel reminding you of what is important. If more of us listened to those dreams it would be a better world. Sadly, it is getting worse but the good in your writing and soul is a way to help. Keep sharing and wake the kindness in others. Hugs!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear you! Your review is spot on and written with your inimitable style
Hugs back, B🌷

[Vol]

Betty,
Somebody had to write this... A foray into those decisions always in our face. Is EVERYTHING we do tainted by selfishness? Is it enough to feed a person for a day? Have I REALLY helped? Where will the destitute lay down tomorrow? Who will give them food? A place to sleep, to bathe, to collect themselves? It is all TOO much! But that simple moment of self-sacrifice IS something...
Vol

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank for your very realistic yet compassionate review…
Warmly, B