Keep me from dreaming,

the vision is too much to handle

and I am afraid

of the tears that stain my face

and collect like man-made marbles,

pretty spherical toys that crush

like glass underfoot

the moment I am conscious

and caught staring

into the dazzling day, the moment I exist for real.

Let me sleep if I must

but do not let me dream, do not

let the vivid nature of these spectres

feel free to roam anymore,

for they are ghoulish