Dear Mr. Sandman,
I pray you don’t balk
at this mere mortal man’s
humble request for a talk.

You see, it’s less request
more a desperate plea
that you might alter the dreams
you bestow nightly to me.

If it helps, I will tell you
it’s not all of my dreams,
just a few in particular
that share one common theme

I mean no offense.
Your art is superb,
but even beautiful art
can sometimes hurt.

“I love you” she says,
and it feels so real
that it makes me forget
the hand I didn’t deal.

For a moment I am flying,
as joyous as the birds -
Not borne down by regrets
caused by unspoken words.

But I come crashing down
when I open up my eyes
for that gift that you gave me
seems better than true life.

Sir, this I implore,
take these dreams away
that I may forget her
one of these days

I wish I didn’t have to.
Until I saw her shining bright
I never knew that a person
could possess such light.

But I let the light slip
and that anguish runs deep.
Now I cannot have her,
not even in my sleep.