A Principle of Dreams

One clear principle of dreams
is that one thing leads to another.
Therefore, do not dream of cats,
to prevent the appearance of tigers.
Cellars are much larger and darker than they first appear
when you venture down the stairs.
Likewise, if you visit your old college campus
you will find that it stretches further
with more unfamiliar buildings
the farther you go to find the classes
for which you have no schedule.
Rather, dream of apricots,
which may lead to thoughts of fruit in general
and proceed to tangerines;
or of baskets, which tend to hold good bread;
or lightning, which can stimulate
thoughts of safety and of home,
where an absent friend is waiting
to hear you tell your dream.

December 18 2013