Visions In Dream-State Memory (Daniel And Martha) Poem by Thomas Bates

Daniel's back freshly from
Sleeping,
Half-dreaming red, crimson
flowers.

Martha is leaning
Against the metal railing of a staircase,
Gazing in screaming wonder
At the length down
Until the graveyard ground.
Other pawn-like people in pieces
Eat an unsubstantial breakfast
Of somewhat caffeinated drinks
Such as coffee, weak tea
And cleaning away the remains
Of traces of
Me, when we left behind
The various places I'd lived at,
Where my spirit could not thrive.

I prefer this soft, cooler gloom
Of this larger room.

Daniel is woken up, unexpectedly
By my older love Martha's
Future ghost, Looking eternally
- Waiting for me -
Seeking a best friendship never once lost.