i sat on the steps out front of the house
mother came around the corner
just then, a covey of quail took off
out from the neighbors tree

she handed me a cup of warming tea
and her hand smoothed the back of my hair
"what's up with you, are you withdrawn?"
i explained i'd had a bad dream

"well tell me then, what's it about"
not sure i said, it's fading
bits and pieces changing form
nothing seems to make sense

moments it seemed so heaven sent
yet left me feeling uneasy
something angry
i couldn't move
image of darkness
it doesn't smile
i felt as startled
as those neighboring quail

"intuitive instinct is something wild
a need for survival to protect itself
obviously this dream has frightened you
like a snap of a twig, or change in wind
quail will scatter at the thought of danger"

"think instead of happy moments
sunny days and sugar kisses
something kind, something warm
snuggles and cuddles of loving arms

transcend this feeling
of negative ego
be in your power
of what you know
life, my dear
is often challenged
by those of lesser will

now, go and play
it's a beautiful day
ascend your thoughts
into happier realms"