Seller of Dreams

I have memories to sell,
Will you buy them?
Memories,
Effervescent,
Intangible as the night air.

Which one would you like?
There’s one,
A child,
Clinging to her mother’s sari.

That will cost you,
Five daydreams,
Painted fire red.
Can’t you see,
The brilliant peacock blue?
Can’t you smell,
The cinnamon that her mother chews?
Can’t you feel,
The texture of the gold thread?
This is worth
Five of your daydreams.

For one memory,
I give you,
You give me,
Five of your dreams.

Sept. 19, 2004