Little Boy Avery in a Dream

You were never going to drown in my dream.

I wouldn’t let that happen—

I dove into the pond & swam

up to you, but you, chin bobbing,

were doing just fine, your dirty

dandelion tufts straining just above

the surface but with assurance that you

had full command of your faculties.

I almost cannot say how much I love you,

but I will, anyway.