Awakened in a Dream

This dark, surreal poem traces a dreamlike journey where the narrator experiences a series of metaphorical deaths—witnessing echoes of a collapsing world and the haunting presence of past memories.

In the air, a knowing hush did swell,

A whisper wound around my throat so well;

“Awake, awake, it’s time to take your flight,”

Yet I clung to life like a boat in endless night.

I ran through echoes of a world unspooling,

Where ghosts of my past in silence were ruling;

My mother and friends, frozen and cold,

Their eyes�"a maze of memories�"secrets unfold.

A hand reached forth from the void behind,

Cold and familiar�"no scream did I find;

In its firm clutch, a grim truth did gleam:

I was never alive�"this was but a dream.

My lungs collapsed as the sky burned red,

And the weight of sleep from my skin was shed;

I woke in a cradle of newborn light,

Stranger’s gentle grasp drawing me to life bright.

And with that first breath, a question began to pour:

“How many times have I died evermore?”

Reviews

[Alice Cob]

Arpit, your poem is a haunting and evocative exploration of the boundaries between reality and the dreamscape. The imagery of the boat in the endless night and the frozen figures from the past is particularly poignant, illustrating the protagonist's struggle with the inescapable nature of memory. The use of the knowing hush and whisper creates an eerie atmosphere that draws readers into the poem's emotional core. The transition from fear to acceptance, marked by the cold hand from the void, is a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death. The final question lingers, leaving the reader contemplating the nature of existence and the possibility of eternal return. The language is rich and the rhythm flows naturally, enhancing the poem's overall impact. Your ability to weave a compelling narrative through verse is truly remarkable. Keep sharing your poetic talents!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I really enjoyed reading your poem. And much like the power of dream itself it has a lingering effect. Thank you for sharing your poem with us.