The People in My Dreams

Kentucky poet, writer, James Still

Last night, truly, just a few moments ago,

I had a dream I wish I could remember more of.

My wife, Donna, and I were at a conference -

the purpose of the conference was vague

and oft-changing -

and it was just a delightful wealth of great people.

Theologian, writer and prophet, Ken Sehested, was there and acted as a guide for us, introducing us to people as if we were honored guests. Lee Pennington, a great Kentucky poet and former teacher of mine, was in the ever-changing crowd. (Thanks, Ken, for being our host, I felt truly honored, as I don't think we've ever met in person!)

I believe songwriting Minneapolis friend, Bret Hesla, was there. Kate Sanders (poet and musician friend) was there, reading poetry. Poet and friend, Mackenzie Berry, was there, too, I believe. It all had a very Kentucky/Appalachian feel to it.

And much of the time was spent doing more mundane activities like finding which house we were supposed to be having the next meeting or lunchtime gathering in and I never was sure where we were supposed to be, but it didn't bother me as it was all such a delight.

Eventually Wendell Berry and James Still (Kentucky poet, writer who's been dead since 2001) ambled by to say some kind words, as if they were fans of ours! Although she didn't stop to say hello, Kentucky poet bell hooks was in the crowd and what an honor to see her! (She passed away recently... Last year?)

Eventually that lunch gathering was over and people began to disperse and so did the dream. I can't recall the words that were shared, but I know they were gold. The overwhelming feeling the dream left in my soul, as the details are now starting to evaporate, was Warmth. It was a gathering of good and kind people who shared warm affection for each other.

Oh, how I could remember the words that were shared in that dream.

In lieu of that, here is one of Still's poems that seems apt...

How it was in that place,

how light hung in a bright pool

Of air like water, in an eddy of cloud and sky,

I will long remember. I will long recall.

The maple blossoming wings,

the oaks proud with rule,

The spiders deep in silk,

the squirrels fat on mast,

The fields and draws and coves

where quail and peewees call.

Earth loved more than any earth,

stand firm, hold fast;

Trees burdened with leaf and bird,

root deep, grow tall.