Shot down three times
in that forgotten war;
an old man now,
all his dreams
are of falling.

Not nightmares
or flashbacks;
not specific,
just generally
of falling.

He never dreams
of those abruptly
ended flights
or the strange
loose sensation
of the chopper
headed for the dirt,
just of falling.

Age has brought
a new fear of heights
and he won't get on
or near an aircraft.

Despite these obvious
precautions, the dreams
continue to plague him.

It sounds so pleasant:
"falling asleep,"

but falling, falling,
falling in your sleep
brings no rest.

To sleep calmly
and peacefully
remains his most
elusive dream of all.
  ~mce