A story of a beautiful, but older woman who falls into a deep dream -- and there discovers a spirit who watches over, and protects her -- always.

The Dream
copyright 2011 by jon h. gutmacher

She was sleeping
deeply
dreaming dreams of things
so long ago
things that were
and never were
and those that could have been
for she was old now
and while there were those who loved her
many had passed
and others were too far away
and so she was alone

A mirror appeared
and she looked in it
what she saw was not unpleasing
yes, older
but kind
and good
and despite all these years
there was an inner and outer beauty
that shone thru and burned bright
but also there was a sadness
for something was missing

Suddenly the mist of time appeared
swirling around her
until so thick that nothing could be seen
or heard
or even imagined
and then the mist cleared
and she found herself in a hallway that went on
forever
and she did not know what to do
and for the first time
she was afraid
for she was alone
in a place so strange
that it seemed without end

And then she felt a hand in hers
and a soothing voice spoke to her
and she felt immediately calm
and warm
and good
and safe
and knew
for the first time
that she was not alone, and never would be
but still – she could not see him
for he was hidden

And she called to him saying
“Who are you , and how did you get here?”
And he laughed softly
with a gentleness that warmed her soul
and said: “Do not fear, my love, for I am always with thee”
“None can do you harm, for I watch over you ”

And with that
she awoke
alone
in her bed
Wishing
she was back
in the dream