Silently
We dream the dreams
Of kings and queens
Of everything
For all in life
We’ll ever be
Is less than that
Of anything

I don’t know your name, and I couldn’t even see your face clearly, for it was too dark. All I really saw was you standing there, a living shadow, ears at attention, with a distant stare. Although I couldn’t see clearly, I could feel it; I knew you were lost. I don’t know if you had the desire to explore, or perhaps you and your master had a fight, or maybe you were chasing something, but you were standing there, lost in urban nature, trapped on a grass island between two rivers filled with concrete and steel and glass and rubber. It’s very dark, very cold, and very dangerous. Why are you out there?

The moment I saw you, I was struck with fear and regret, followed by pangs of cowardice. I knew what could happen to you, yet I kept on going. I wasn’t strong or brave enough to save you; I only hoped that your primal intuition would get you back to where you belong. Somebody out there loves you. You’re not meant to be alone.

There is hope. Enough time has passed by now that you’ve been able to make the decision of where to cross. It’s late, and traffic isn’t quite as chaotic as it can be. I know how bad it can get, as I drive that way and back to work every day. The best thing for you would be that I never see you again. I will wish and pray that you make it back to where you belong, that you will be happy and safe. I will wish and pray that you will see the sun again.

Hello sunshine, how do you do? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, I’ve nearly forgotten what it’s like to have you around. You’re so much better to me than my other so-called ‘friends.’ You’re calming and quiet, so much so that sometimes I forget you’re even there. Unlike my other friends, who are loud and obnoxious, and constantly reminding me of their presence. You have this unique, warm beauty about you that makes me want to better myself. It’s a welcome change from the cold, dark, distant feeling I get with my other friends; they make me feel trapped and alone. I just can’t get them to leave. I really wish I had your number so we could keep in contact, so that I could call you and we could get away from here…write back sometime, or better yet, stop by unexpectedly. You’re always welcome, you know.

When you enter the adult world, there is no such thing as a “snow day.” I miss the excitement of waking up, watching the school closing announcements at the bottom of the screen on the morning news in anticipation of seeing my school listed, celebrating when it is, and crawling back into bed, almost too excited to fall back asleep.