Childhood's Dream

I had a dream in which I grew
from childhood to old age;
through adolescent awkwardness
into a young man’s rage.
The challenges of parenthood,
each day a separate trial,
brought me slowly forward,
learning all the while.

My life was filled with wonder,
diversity, and thought:
sometimes my choices rang with truth,
other times they did not.
I slowly trekked my chosen Path
and learned from each mistake,
trying not to dwell too long
on Paths I did not take.

My peers and I grew older:
some sickened, others died,
while all along Serenity
grew closer to my side.
My body slowly weakened,
but my mind grew calm and wise,
and I cherished each clear starlit night,
each morning’s bright sunrise.

Then suddenly I wakened-
the sleep had left my eyes,
and I wept to see the marvel
of bright and strange new skies.
With sudden understanding
I knew that all was One,
and accepted with glad laughter,
that my Childhood had begun.