Apparition:

in dreamland, a mundane
memory survives but

takes on sub-
conscious symbolism

fascinating possibilities —
strange, surreal purpose.

“the appearance of something
remarkable or unexpected”

 
 
Source text: Popova, Maria. “The Science of Dreams and Why We Have Nightmares.” brainpickings.org. Web. 16 October, 2013.

This poem was written for Margo Roby’s prompt asking us to write about “dreams” based on the etymology of the word. In Old Norse, the word “dream” is derived from a root meaning “ghost” or “apparition.” All words in the poem are sourced from the article cited above, except for the dictionary definition of “apparition” at the end.

Henri Rousseau.  The Sleeping Gypsy.