It is easier to see
the dark side of the moon
than to interpret our own dreams;
those forgettable shards of soul
that in the sleepy predawn,
leave a glimmering path
toward the truth of ourselves.
So when you ask me
to tell you what you want,
I wish I could take your hand,
and walk with you
down the twinkling trail
leading into the deepest places of you.
There we might find some altar
bathed in a hopeful glow,
and drawing near,
see a large scroll
unfolding itself in the warm light
like a sun-hungry flower.
And upon reading,
it would offer in plain
language simple directions,
gentle affirmations
for our journey
through this strange,
wonderful labyrinth.
Liam Elliott spends most days working as a hospital chaplain, although he is also beginning graduate work in English literature at Eastern Kentucky University. He has had poetry published in Red River Review, Thieves Jargon, and Mississippi Crow, and creative nonfiction published in The Hinge and The Legendary.
This is lovely, just lovely.