for Catherine, my daughter, on her birthday
H.P. Lovecraft would always ask strangers
about their thoughts and dreams. My dear daughter,
I wish you a dreamday, dreams that linger
through life, making them reality. Where
each hour is art, each breath inspiration
fulfilling the psyche and soul’s promise.
Where reflection’s the one hesitation,
connecting life’s eternal dots. Is this
too much to ask? A cause for patient smiles?
Perhaps. But what are our dreams, after all,
if not our living while at rest? Our files
of subconscious wonder. The heart’s brave call
to imagination, to create anew
this dream life belonging to only you.
Your Loving Poet Papa
August 21, 2020
