Dream Me A River*

Summary

The poem "Dream Me A River" reflects on a relationship where dreams and reality diverge, leading to a bittersweet parting of ways.

Abstract

"Dream Me A River" is a poignant poem that captures the essence of a relationship filled with promises and dreams, yet ultimately defined by separation and unfulfilled expectations. The narrative unfolds with the ease of falling in love, juxtaposed against the pain of unmet desires, as one partner promises to dream a river for the other, only to inadvertently instill thirst. The poem conveys a journey of love that ends in parting, with the lovers having learned little about navigating the emotional complexities of their bond. They neither master the art of dreaming a river of tears nor learn to row their dreamboat of love. The poem concludes with the realization that their paths have diverged, leaving them with a friendship that is tinged with the unspoken regret of roads not taken.

Opinions

The poem suggests that the path to happiness often involves experiencing sorrow.
There is an underlying sense of regret for the lost potential of the relationship.
The poem implies that sometimes, despite shared experiences, individuals must ultimately follow separate paths.
The author reflects on the idea that love and dreams can be as closely intertwined as love and pain.
The poem is inspired by another poet's work, indicating a respect for and influence of fellow poets.
The mention of a song that evokes strong emotions connects the theme of the poem to the broader context of art's impact on personal experiences.

A poem

Yes, it was as easy as singing a song,

falling in love, I mean.

You promised to dream me a river then gave me thirst, I promised to wait forever, but was to leave first.

We couldn’t dream or drive together, the road forked, and we had become friends, just...

So, no regrets my dear, neither you nor I knew, the way to happiness goes through tears first.

We took our separate ways never to know the pain or the pleasures of love.

We learned nothing, neither to dream a river of tears nor to row our dreamboat of love.

We met, we loved, we sang, we dispersed!

songs and love usually go together, but so do tears and happiness!

Savage Garden — Truly Madly Deeply — YouTub

*The idea of dreaming a river, inspired by a line about ‘dream him a tree” in a poem by Sean Cho A. when I ask you to tell me what I did last night (On Rattle) literally last night!

You want familiar, so you imagine a bird. …. You dream him a tree, and soft twigs for a nest.

IPOETRY-THE SHORT PLACE PROMPT

Dream Me A River*

A poem

Poetry Prompt Contest: “It Happened in a Song.”

Think about a song that brings forth strong emotions