A DREAM 

written by Don Hiser (dedicated to those who

have had the strength to follow their own

convictions no matter the cost)

​

Last night I dreamed I walked along a lonely,

dusty road.

There were no signs of any kind no ending

was foretold.

As I continued down that path

I came across a man

whose head hung low from isolation,

or maybe it was contemplation,

or maybe he was simply looking for

some gem to fill his hand.

I hailed him with a kind salute. 

I asked from where he came

and would he share his story, destination

and his name.

He said let's sit beside this road

and I'll honor your request.

Perhaps, when I am finished,

you'll tell me of your quest.

​

He said  " I am an Indian,

the dot and not the feather.

Raised a Hindu and to that faith,

in youth, I was tethered.

But then one day I met a man

who spoke with gentle touch.

His words of love brought me peace

and kindness I could trust.

I chose to walk awhile with him

and learn of this new way.

A faith that spoke directly to my heart

upon that day.'

​

'But little did I contemplate

the strength of by-gone ages.

Where family ties were sacred

and there was no room for changes.

For now I walk alone, my friend,

with my faith and no other.

Leaving far behind the things

that demands of a family brings

enduring pain that comes from loss

of kin, father and mother.'

​

As my dream took me on down that road

and I left that man behind

I came across another soul,

whose face seemed good and kind.

I hailed him with a pleasant smile

and asked from where he came

and would he share his traveler's story

and I would do the same.

He said 'come sit beside me

and I'll honor your request

and I'll tell you my story

then you can share your quest.'

​

He said I was a Muslim.  Mohammed led my days.

Until I met a man who said

that there were other ways.

He shared with me comfort from beliefs

that I had not been told

of love and fellowship more precious

than any silver or gold.

I chose to walk awhile with him

and he taught unbridled love.

I felt I had finally heard a message from above.

​

But little did I contemplate

such hardship it would bring

to leave the fold and faith

of my father and proceed

to take a different path with no intent of pain;

to follow steps not of my past

or fate that never had been cast;

to reap what seems an endless wrath

of my families disdain.

For now I walk alone

with my faith and no other

while joyful in my chosen path,

still saddened by the pain that hath

been brought upon my head with loss

of kin, father and mother.

​

As asked by these two travelers

in my dream I told my tale.

It seemed to follow closely

the one's that they regaled.

I shared with each the reason

that I had left my safe abode

and strongly asked no pity,

in words neither bright nor witty,

I shared that same common tale

twice met upon that road.

​

For I was raised a Christian,

a protestant by fate.

Until I met on that same road

a man who felt no hate.

He asked "was it my calling

to condemn those in my way

or treat all faiths with love and kindness,

and leave behind the empty blindness,

and to each one not of my faith

that love and kindness pay.

​

I chose to walk a ways

with this man of different views.

I learned from him the needs of many

sometimes outweigh the few.

And when we finally parted ways

somewhere upon that road

I chose to leave my long learned faith

and search the world throughout my days

that faith that fit more close the ways

my own heart has imposed.

​

Who was this gentle stranger,

who brought each of us light.

Was he god or was he man,

or an angel in disquise.

I think my fellow travelers

(in this dream) like me came to know

He was just a weary traveler

we chanced upon that road.

 

No prophet, no healer, or mighty god

who'd somehow been most blessed.

Still his humble passing words

tore us from our blessed herds

and like the flight of new born birds

took us far from each one's nest.

Copyright2020 Don Hiser