Dreamer of Dreams
Written for the ENO Mini Opera Contest in 2012
The scene: one person alone, the DREAMER.
DREAMER:
I am the Dreamer of Dreams.
I walk through the streams of memory
And go by way of neuron paths
To seek whatever I might want.
I build cities in your mind
Of wonders, pleasures,
Horrors, and nightmares,
Then tear them down at will.
I take you to the furthest reaches
Then bring you back to all you know
Painted in a different light
So everything is wondrous new.
I dare to waltz with fears,
Do battle with hopes,
Embrace tiny human suns,
Make love with bitter regrets.
I fashion glories in your mind,
Give you everything you ever wanted,
Cause mirth and joy and all things good,
Prophesy your victory.
Yet with my other hand
I strike you down, bring you low,
Terrorize the corners of your mind,
Trample you to dust.
I can be anything you want
And everything you hate.
All you have to do is ask–
And sometimes not even that.
Your mind is my plaything,
My arena, my stage,
Where everything is possible
So long as I give it will.
I can lead you to the promised land
Or lure you into iniquity.
Whatever kind of mood I’m in
You’re always there to please.
Your deepest, darkest secrets
Your brightest, lightest lies
Your faded, tarnished fears–
All are there for me to plum.
Your mind lies open to my games,
My favorite instrument to strum.
Your reactions are my bread and wine
At least till you grow stale and cold.
Once I have supped what I can sup
From your fertile imaginings
Then do I bid you ‘farewell friend’
And go my merry way.
No more shall I come to you
Never more to haunt your mind
And gentle repose my final gift
For severance final always is.
