How sublime were my dreams of old
where I saw the world how it should be;
the swelling waves would sweep me over
and carry me into the sparkling sea.
So many miles, I would be from home
no more sorrows, I would see;
sailing beneath the boundless skies
would be my beloved and me.
How evocative was each dream of old
where memory and vision would raise
painted tribute to each fantastical lore
as I had imagined in the olden days.
Lost in dreams, I would wander on
for hours in each foreign field.
War was over and love had won,
not a soul would hold a shield.
What happened to those dreams of old
when idyllic clouds graced the skies?
Now sleeping, all that I see and hear
are howls and wails and children cries.
There is no color on trees and blooms
dust motes and ashes fill the air;
though sleep will close my tired eye,
to dream again, I wouldn't dare.
This poem was first published in Spillwords and can be found here https://spillwords.com/dreams-once-bright/
© Copyright: Leah Chrestien. Novemebr 2024. The post ‘Dreams Once Bright’ first appeared on The Ecstatic Storyteller. The author reserves the right to the content. No reproduction of content in any form is permitted without the prior consent of the author.


This was so beautiful, and painful Leah 🙏 a sad but very telling piece of the hard journey the soul has been
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Thank you, Laura. Much appreciated 🙂
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Pretty interesting poem and beautiful, someway romantic.. longing for something is romantic. Have a joyful new week 🦋
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Thank you, Jean. Best wishes.
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You are skillful at writing poems and you have deep emotions. Have a great day😊
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So very poignant.
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Thank you so much.
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You’re welcome.
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I would love nothing more than for ”the swelling waves to sweep me over
and carry me into the sparkling sea…” your poem is hauntingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes. 🙂
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