Dream Journal
My dream has little value
unless I write it down
like a baby isn’t named
until it’s born
Is it the voice of God-within
that gives me clues in dreams?
That grades my day
by scores at night?
That lives a double life?
__________Colleen Redman / Poets United
February 4th, 2018 11:09 am
I like the idea of a dream journal, writing down one’s dreams. Perhaps being able to look at them all together will help them make sense / figure out what messages they are giving. I don’t remember dreams often, but when I do I often wonder just where they came from!!
February 4th, 2018 11:52 am
My dreams have never made sense to me… except that many of them I’m glad I forget… but maybe a dream journal would bring some clarity to who I am.
February 4th, 2018 1:01 pm
I had a dream this morning of being in my classroom. It was all too real. Maybe it was a nightmare. 🙂
I also like the idea of writing down dreams, but I usually don’t, because by the time I grab a pen, the essentials have vanished. Ah, me!
February 4th, 2018 1:02 pm
An interesting thought but I think our dreams live within our souls that talk to us in dreams….maybe that is God!
February 4th, 2018 2:21 pm
I love the idea of a dream journal!? I often dream and am able to recall them on the next day ? so keeping a journal sounds pretty great to me.
February 4th, 2018 2:44 pm
Unlike most others, I can’t stand the idea of a dream journal – it would be a living nightmare of disjointed, fragmented and disfigured scenarios – and reflection and analysis of my dreams reveals nothing that I don’t already understand about my psyche.
I am struck by your first stanza – it’s powerful – and disturbing. (not that this is a bad thing) …. I mean, is the suggestion that a dream, in this case your dream, has no value unless you name it? And then, lacing this idea with/against “like a baby isn’t named until it’s born” … well, wow – that’s a very particular sentiment …. for many reasons and inferences.
I’m totally stuck on this now …. hmmm … what a thought-provoking opening.
And followed by “grades my days/by scores at night” …. which is absolutely brilliant – just adds to the level of “disturbance/perturbance factor” … this is one almighty powerhouse of a poem …
loving it Colleen
February 4th, 2018 2:58 pm
I wish I could remember my dreams. I rarely do and know I’m missing out. Loved this, Colleen.
February 4th, 2018 3:15 pm
The lead line about the dreams not having value until I write them down is a reference to when I do that their layered meanings come into focus, as I hear myself speak or write them, as opposed to just remembering them as if they were unrelated or fanciful scenes. They are born to me when they have meaning. They are like poems in that they tell the truth indirectly and I love that they come of their own and bypass my mind and belief systems. Such gifts. And the “so called” bad dreams often have the most meaningful information about the true state of my psyche.
February 4th, 2018 4:21 pm
The first stanza makes me sad because I definitely think a baby is named (by God) before it’s born … like our dreams/thoughts have merit, even when unexpressed … sometimes especially when unexpressed.
The second stanza is phenomenal!
The voice of God leading a double life — I love the notion. It actually has me picturing God as both Himself and Satan. But I’m quite sure I’m being blasphemous now … I have an out-of-control imagination. 🙂
February 4th, 2018 4:24 pm
I think it’s worthwhile exploring our dreams. Self exploration of our sub-conscious may bring much to the surface. Your poem is short, sweet and true.
February 4th, 2018 6:11 pm
Oh my! you be gettin’ old and retrospective. I understand, I think. 🙂
February 4th, 2018 9:49 pm
Some dreams leave me baffled….love this!
February 5th, 2018 1:22 am
On the rare occasions I remember my dreams, writing them down does help to make sense of them.
An engaging, beautifully crafted poem.
February 5th, 2018 1:28 am
Dreams come when you drive without gears at night freewheeling the hours away. Yes, it certainly is a double life!
February 5th, 2018 6:44 am
Is it the voice of God-within
that gives me clues in dreams?
Dreams have been known to influence the outcome of certain events. Yes, the voice of the Almighty is
all-powerful! Many can attest to it especially the good dreams!
Hank
February 5th, 2018 11:50 am
Brilliant! The naming of the baby parallel writing it down will certainly stick with me, and the questions take me deeper.
February 6th, 2018 12:33 pm
Yes, write it down. Make a list.