The Changing of the Dreams

With pride in each move

the dreams from the old world

march away from sleep

Each button shined until

it sparkles

with its invisible

mission to hold

the night together

While shoes are never seen

in these dreams

they are carefully prepared

mirrors of discovery

Each piece of leather gets

a coat of wax

still alive as if attached

to the steer from which it squirms

No animal is hurt in this dream

yet bits and pieces show

their contributions to this soldier

at attention whose efforts

make him a man

where no ceremony generally

exists to help men become men

Some feathers of flying birds

flap in unseen breezes

on top of ceremonial hats

Inflamed honors

for emboldened souls

change position for the crowd

Complete silence is demanded

with straight-back officer phantasms

pointing an index finger

crossing the lips

from the first joint

direct to the tip of his nose

with the head tilted

eyes widened

in a discouraging rage

to whispers from spectators

Dreams change infrequently

which draws an audience

that stands night after night

to wait for the somber moments

complete with militaristic music

composed by pacifists

Always led by the flag

the guard notices

it is not a flag

but a flapping hand

waving good-bye

to the old guard

the old dreams

heading off the platform

to become awake

Barry G. Wick