City of Dreams

Here I stand once again -On the outside looking in
At my City of Dreams -An impossible simplicity.

Near the edge where I stand the beauty and light before me are astounding. Just beyond my reach lies a city which holds my dreams. It stands before me, brilliantly shining its light and energy. But, just as the star in the nighttime sky, although it feels close enough to touch, in truth it lies many, many light years away.

This city of dreams is not an illusion of unattainable perfection;  nor is it filled with riches, or jewels, or treasures. It is true beauty in life's simplicity. The streets are paved with love and the city lights illuminated by laughter. Each building represents a memory, with the city growing in beauty as each new building arises. The flowers, trees, and plants each hold a smile and the stars in the sky are each a twinkle in the eye.

I stand at the edge and I think about how many times and ways that I have tried to reach the city over the years, and I wonder if it will ever be. I have climbed, run, jumped, and yes, even crawled. I have prayed, looked & reached within, and even consulted the experts, all to no avail.  I have built bridges only to see them crumble at the gate.

An invisible barricade surrounds the city barring entrance to the land of my dreams.It calls for me, reaches out for me, but with each attempt - brings me to my knees.

I see so many others enter the city and the beauty is simply beyond compare. But it's the others - "the lost" as I call them, who seem to bother me the most. You see, they enter the city simply by accident and care not for the dream. They enter the city, then burn and pillage, existing with total disregard.

I thought then, maybe I cannot reach the city because maybe it is my purpose to help "The Lost". And although I've tried, they do not hear me, because they do not see or care for the dream.

Still, I search for answers - How do I reach my city of dreams? What is the purpose for the invisible barricade in my path? They say there is a reason for all, and I look within, and I pray for the the light to understand.


In a matter of days, I may have the very last bridge of hope built before me - but it may just be the bridge that finally carries me to my City of Dreams; or I may find that the city is beyond all hope for me.

Until then ...

as long as there is the smallest spark of hope - I will hope

Within the consuming darkness
The smallest spark of light still shines
A glimmer of possibility & chance-
The hope for a miracle survives.

The chance is smaller than a grain of sand
Among our world’s broad areas of open land
Less, even so, than capturing snow
And matching the flakes within my hand

Yes,
Even less …

Than a single drop of water
In the oceans so massive and deep
Or an isolated solitary star
In our universe’s vast infinity

Yet I know It is His hand who holds
All of these boundless things
And in His love and mercy
My miracle can surely grow wings

My hope will not be diminished
As long as the spark remains
Shining in the darkness –
A glowing symbol of faith.