Mark Gooch’s most recent poem to appear here was Birthday: life renews, published as part of Contributor Series 11: On Birthdays (July 2012).

The Dream
By Mark Gooch

Early morning dew
Feeling cool and damp to the touch
Warm sun on my face
And a caressing breeze against my cheeks
Crunching melody of dry gravel and sand
Emitting from my blue and white deck shoes
As I trudge down the backwoods road to the fork
Where I see you patiently waiting for my approach
Warm inviting embrace
Soft hungry kiss
Pressing your body to mine
We hold hands while continuing our journey
Towards the small country village
Image of a postcard I had seen once before
We pause at the entrance of the golden-colored meadow
And lay in the tall grass, hidden from sight
Of all but the high-flying hawk and the occasional butterfly
Loving, caressing, enjoying the view
Breathing increases
Emotions are heightened,
Crescendo approaches
Ring … ring … ring
Alarm clock pays the ultimate price.