The Dream

I awoke, startled

but not afraid.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

I had climbed, reluctantly,

curious and confident.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

At the high board, I hesitated;

and looked down slowly.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

I threw down my slippers

and glasses, now unnecessary.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

And they clattered on concrete

well-aimed, missing the crowds.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

Then I jumped far

amazingly beyond the pool.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

An unknown surface flew towards me

and I woke up.

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

What did it mean?

My sly, secret unconscious?

It was only a dream,

not a nightmare.

Suddenly I was a child

fearful on the high board.

It was only my past

exposing a hidden jewel.

I did not jump that time

instead going backards.

It was only my past

exposing a hidden jewel.

I had my new goggles

they might peel off my face, lost.

It was only my past

exposing a hidden jewel.

I was worried for others

hidden in the pool below.

It was only my past

exposing a hidden jewel.

My belly was bruised before

when I dived ungracefully.

It was only my past

exposing a hidden jewel.

I awoke, startled.

Next time I will jump.

It was a dream

exposing a hidden jewel.