She had something to say (nightmare)

Vera spoke to me
in a soft watery hiss
while I slept,
her dead feet upon my heart
while her voice came in waves.

She was the town gossip
somewhere.

Paralysis comes to a body
while dreaming,
so she couldn't be heard
by his ears as he
slumbered to my left.

She spoke through me
in me
instead of choosing boards
with floating needles and
cards with prophetic cutouts.

"It is in the East"
she said. "It will take off His head."

Then I moved
through my house awakened,
making sure that
everything was in its place
making sure that
everyone was in their place
making sure that
my mind
was in its place

I think I am done sleeping
today.

©2001