misguided dreams

i have a dream,
a faint glimmer of something,
something sweet, something good,
a happy thought,
flickering cheerful, bright,
like a candle.

i hide it deep within myself,
afraid to let my candle burn where the wind blows
to be snuffed out by critics and friends alike.
holding it close, keeping it safe,
i wonder:
no one's told me if this is the right dream,
or if i am completely wrong.
but i don't dare ask them.
instead, i let them confuse themselves,
wrinkling their brows at my silence.

i'm confused, too.

on darkest, lonely days
i forget the dream.
but somewhere, somehow,
it burns on and on and on.
they can't see it,
they don't know.
when i dream, i see your face,
your voice dances before me,
and suddenly, days become brighter.
they don't know
that i still dream,
that i miss you.
they think i've forgotten,
smothering my candle
with misguided dreams of letters and learning,
of law and ambition.

but really, sweet light,
i am only thinking of you,
hoping and praying,
keeping my dream safe,
untarnished, special, pure,
until the moment,
when i can share it with you.