I awoke at four twenty-two
in time
to write my dream down
and start work by four-thirty

My dream
I bought my grandparents' farm at auction
Everyone remarked
about the vigor of my bidding

but I had the resources
every cent I'd need
in my pockets
Then, landowner, I

set about repairing
the land - the great smooth bog
at the back of the property
wetland for wildness

I fed with my presence
They hailed my arrival there
galloping to the gate
or swimming

flying, even
The wild animals loved me
even when the cropless farm failed
and the mortgage fell behind

At the crossroads
I organized
pluck every leaf
and label it for sale

my children frantic
filling the little bags
I must make a sign to place
along the highway

in letters large enough
for the passers-by to read
"lemon leaves" "parsley"
"artemisia"

Awake now I remember
the good parts
the animals, the blue ponds
the pocketsful of money

but down to work now
It's late here in California
when they await your product
in the East

a snuck silent breakfast in the small house
browned banana
from the basket, and o.j.
and a great bowl of almonds

The cagebirds shriek
at my lamplight (shhhh!)
cats and dog soft little snores
from the blanketbed

I switch the machinery on
This is Test Number 3
the whole farm
is counting on me