Charity C. Tran

I dreamt that I walked with elephants
Pygmy ones that rolled in dirt
Mud caked wrinkled crevices
Their skin tough contrasting comparison
To my soft bare feet touching
The muck of water, earth, and tall grass

I do not know why I walked without shoes
I questioned this more than walking with elephants

Trunks raised high
I saw their grinning mouths
Their soulful eyes
I think I may have heard them sing
But I kept on going in my stride
Until my feet found concrete pavement

Awake now, I know:
I should have stopped to sing
I should have stopped to listen