Sweet-Dream Wishes

The winds blow colder as we grow old.

Friends and relations pass away. Muscle

and bone refuse to obey as we descend

the steep staircase spiraling deeper into the

basement of eternity. I awoke this morning

with the plaguing loss and emptiness of

nightmare lingering in my brain. Some

things we never outgrow, I suppose. Aging

brings a longing in remembering—no lone

survivors to securely tuck you in, no loving

forehead kisses and sweet-dream wishes

soothing you into the Tranquil Sea of Sleep.

Chris Hanch 7-22-17