dreams are given to us for a reason

but for what reason do I dream of that worst day with her

finding her covered in filth and weakness

and sadness at the state of the world

then the panic

I felt that heat filled panic in the dream

of wanting to run fast across the water until I find a hollow place to hide

but I woke and reminded myself that I steadied my voice

and gently washed her body

and cleaned her bed

And together we cried

and forgave God for teaching us these parables

of love and ashes