When I was ten, I dreamed
Of being in a uniform on a ship,
With a purpose in life.

When I was fourteen, I dreamed
Of being in love at a young age
With my ever-after man.

When I was seventeen, I dreamed
Of going home to the place
I had been sent away from.

When I was twenty, I dreamed
Of a family reunion twenty years away
Where everyone smiled and forgave.

When I was twenty-four, I dreamed
Of happiness I had already lost hope in,
Love I had no faith in.

Now...I dream
Of sleep--
A full night's sleep,
A more-than-just-a-couple-hours sleep,
A physically healing and refreshing sleep...

A sleep where I don't dream.