Dream: Cinema
December 15th, 2023
Eyes are inverted,
White stars in black pits.
Pupils split open
To shining ast’risks.
The darkness burns bright:
Photonegative.
Pupils now dilate,
Wait, where’s the iris?
-
We go to California as a family.
I’m biking with the Boyscouts.
(Wait, why did they join me?)
Then we’ll stop at a theater.
Go to watch a movie.
Then bike to the beach
And kayak out to sea.
-
As of now, in the van, we’re gonna be late.
We’re going through the Everglades.
(But that’s in Florida? Wait!)
We’re not just late, we’re lost,
And in the wrong state.
So I stop for directions
At a cinema, so out of place.
-
Parking lot is empty, but lit with street lamps.
Building looks vacant but sounds so alive.
(Looks empty, sounds occupied. How suspicious)
I see the digital signs through the door’s glass.
This theater’s running movies, let’s go inside!
But first get our bikes off the car-rack.
Ride to the movies. Don’t forget your helmet!
-
Inside is dark, though lights are abundant.
Which movie should we see?
(Didn’t we stop for directions? I guess we forget)
What’s popular? Let’s head towards the voices.
We see the sign above the room–only a few seats left.
We leave our bikes by a table that’s piled with luggage
As we enter the dark theater, everything is quiet.
-
The projector is on, but what do I see?
Flashing black-and-white images,
(All the seats are vacant. Wait, where is my family?)
Infant monkeys breastfeed, then nipples become stars
Which are the pupils of the eyes, immolating baby monkeys.
I’m glad it was a silent film. I dare not write it all.
I’m sickened by these grotesque scenes.
-
I flee the theater room, sweat dripping down my face.
I hear footsteps. I freeze in fear.
(No! Run to the bike! Get away!)
I turn to see mother in darkened halls.
“Oh there you are!” She gives a friendly wave.
I sigh in relief and lead her to the bikes
Leaning on a green wall. No tables or suitcase.
-
I get on the bike and turn to see my mother
Still hasn’t moved, standing in the dark hall.
(Where is everyone else? My sisters and brothers?)
She beckons me to return and watch the rest of the film.
I hear voices in the distance. I kick off and pedal
Towards the sound, round the corner, past a door
Which slams-