It was still there. But I brought it here to make it easy for you.

Recurring Nightmare
© Tomi Inglis
4/27/02

Walking through the door of broken dreams,
I wander through familiar, lovely rooms.
Various are decorated Gothic style,
many others in Contemporary,
yet the last wing was opulent, eclectic.

Weariness is heavy, overcomes me,
searching for the door from which I entered.
It seems my way was lost long before
leaving foyer and entering the corridor.
Wasn’t it carpeted before, or broken planks bare then?

Climbing staircases that go down, I struggle
in search of loved, familiar faces.
This music hall wasn’t here before!
John smiling, waving from distant balcony.
Should I jump or keep searching for the door?

In quest of absent terrace entrance,
Bounding down staircases that go up,
In a university strangely familiar
Yet, never having heard its name before,
Karla stomps a scolding foot,
"Aren’t you aware we’re late, or do you care?"

Anguish and frustration cripple me.
What I want is to leave, exit once and all
This eternal tangle of disconnected rooms.
Where is the hallway that logic orders?
No passage, just room upon room.
Familiar fades, chamber becomes another.
If I could find the passage, I know I’d find the door!

Elusive elevators that only go one floor,
Just deplaned one and now it's gone!
Clowns, mannequins leering at me, lead
Through garish china shops, vogue garment stores.
John's children play, one baby caring for the other,
But where is he? ... and Karla won’t forgive me.

Is this still the seventh mezzanine?
Room within a tunnel but waiting for a passageway.
Jeering mannequins befriend me,
"Follow me and I shall lead you to the exit."
It’s closing time, but I’ve yet to find the door!