if i were a dream
i'd be the type that reminds you of strawberries,
or pumpernickel, or the peanut butter cookies your grandmother used to make.


but i have to settle for being
something out of the ordinary,
hard working and idealistic,
sitting on a roof wondering what people used to say
when they looked at the stars before satellites and airplanes
filled the sky.

if i were an alcohol i'd be
the type of whiskey that didn't burn so much on the way down,
but left your throat feeling warm and alive.

but i have to settle for
not knowing what to say when it matters,
but saying all the right things when you least expect it.

if i were famous
i'd be remembered for intelligence,
intensity,
and a boyish smile like a puppy being chased
with your last pair of good shoes.

but i have to settle
for being well liked,
but never anyone's friend.

when i dream,
it makes the ocean waves tremble.
and if i close my eyes,
fight real hard through the darkness,
i will make things happen.

i will make things happen.

11/06/2008

Author's Note: it's like a poem titled on its side. that's how i describe it.

Posted on 11/07/2008
Copyright © 2024 Jared Fladeland