R. E. M. Sleep/Religion Lost

Deep in the folds of my sleeping mind

I stood in the foyer of my childhood church. 

It was the present,
and I was crisply aware that I didn't belong. 

I looked about, waiting for Tim, the head of our congregation when I was a teenager;

I wanted to unburden myself, and considered (skeptically) whether I might find relief through this ancient empty ritual.

When I entered his office

It was you

Standing there to greet me.

I smiled, knowing you would open your arms wide enough to hold all my troubles. 

I sat and you leaned across your desk,

Staring intently into my eyes as I spoke, softly, steadily. 

I felt as light as air

And a little smug - 

You are no preacher, no man ordained by god. 

And yet

You'd been able to bless me. 

I knelt before you

And held your eyes at I unbuckled your belt. 

I felt the warmth of your body against my skin

And I took you into my mouth. 

The dream slowed down here,

And I traveled through time

Relishing the taste of you, the feel of my tongue as it swirled around the smooth flesh filling my mouth... 

I don't know how dreams work, 

But I lived in that moment for what felt like hours....days....

And then I stood 

and you smiled and took my hand

And then I woke up.