after Denise Krebs on the Ethical ELA Open Write today. Denise wrote after Langston Hughes’s poem “I Dream A World.”
—What world do YOU dream?
I dream a world
where Wisdom walks the thoroughfares
holding her lantern high
where Mercy kneels in lamplit paths
unfastening her cloak to enshroud
the transgressed
and the transgressor
where Comfort seeks out the lonely, the broken
to offer a cup of cheer, leaning in
with her elbows on the table
and her palm outstretched
where Truth looks up from the old rocker
in the corner by the bookcase
pushing his spectacles back up on his nose
as he turns the page of an ancient volume
but not before smiling at the twins
Mystery and Miracles
playing at his feet
in the flickering circle of lamplight
while Love closes the curtains
humming, always humming
her beautiful song
tears glistening like diamonds
on her cheeks
and where Judgment pauses at the door
listening, one skeletal hand raised to knock
but reconsiders
and chooses to leave
giving a curt nod to Wisdom and Mercy
and stepping aside as they pass by
—I dream a world.
Photo: “Do not be afraid…” Fan D. CC BY
lit bits and pieces 
A wonderful dream
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Thanks so much!
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I held my breath as I read, then let it out at the end.
I just finished a writing exercise (for the wellness program, Noom, of all things) which asked us to list all the values that are important to us (we were encouraged to list more than 35!), gather them into five groups of our choosing, then choose the one from each group that resonates the most with us–thus choosing our five core values. I recognized many from my list in your post–Love, Wisdom, Comfort, Truth. Your personification of each is breathtaking; I was seeing a short-animation movie in my mind as I read this, something akin to Raymond Briggs’ wordless movie, “The Snowman”.
I think I will print this out to re-read again, and again, when I need reminding of the good in this world.
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Delighted that you found this so meaningful, Chris. I had recently begun to question my ability to write, especially poetry – so when this rolled out, I felt some confidence returning. Another friend remarked: “That’s the first time I’ve heard you say you are proud of something you’ve written.” That’s true. As much as I write, I don’t often feel proud, exactly (food for thought: why is that hard?). I feel pleased or fulfilled, maybe, on occasion – but I am allowing myself to be proud of this poem. I am deeply grateful for your words, Chris, and to know you want to save this poem to reread. Does my soul much good.
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