Dream

You ever had a dream that shook you awake?

And even then you still believed it was true?

Last night I dreamed I was a quarterback,

running behind my dad

and he was there on the field, pushing players out of my way.

I had the ball and was running like if I wanted to

I could lift off

and fly.

And in front of me, my dad just kept taking the hits,

keeping me safe

making sure I touched that ball down.

I woke up still hugging the ball, only my arms were

empty, pressing against my chest.

In the dream, my daddy’s helmet had cracked in two.

And I kept saying to him Be safe, Daddy. Daddy, be safe.

But he just kept on running.

Kept on tackling.

Kept on going.

For me.

For me.

For me.