J. Luke Herman, The Island of My Dreams

The Island of My Dreams

J. LUKE HERMAN There is an island in my dreams. A place I sometimes swim to when in great need. On the beaches there is sand of a golden hue, Where the sound of the waves is like nothing you ever knew. Where the sunset paints a rainbow in the sky, Leaving vibrant colors of orange, red, pink, and yellow behind. Here on this island, I sometimes hide To get away from all the problems that I feel won’t let me survive. “An island, an island!” I cry out as I wade in the water of my mind. “A place of refuge! I can see it, hopefully it will be kind!” When I reach the beaches, I see the birds. Small green parrots that chirp and whistle as they fly. As I gaze at them, I remember the times I had seen them in blissful summer: Under the golden clouds where they flew so carefree and unconfined. There the water is crisp and clean, In the light of the setting sun does it reflect and brightly gleam. And as I walk to feel the water of the sun-soaked tide, Hear the birds and their countless cries, Watch the sun as it sinks into the boundless horizon, I remember the days when I needed the island, The island in my dreams.