Here is the original
poem, provided by the poet:
| Bad
Dream |
| |
| A few minutes
ago |
| you called out
my name |
| and I found you
sitting in the middle of your bed |
| in the dark |
| trembling. |
| |
| What had stepped
out of your dreams and chased you |
| this time? |
| |
| “Just
a pretend bear, Daddy?” |
| I stroke your
hair, damp with sweat, and |
| in a moment, you’re
asleep. |
| |
| I dread the time
that’s coming— |
| the time when
your tears can’t be kissed away |
| by me. |
| |
-
Don Aker |
Here is the revised
poem sent by the poet. What is the difference?What effect is created by
the change?
| Bad
Dream |
| |
| A few minutes
ago |
| you called out
my name |
| and I found you
sitting in the middle of your bed |
| in the dark |
| trembling. |
| |
| What had stepped
out of your dreams and chased you |
| this time? |
| |
| “Justapretendbear,Daddy?” |
| I stroke your
hair, damp with sweat, and |
| in a moment, you’re
asleep. |
| |
| I dread the time
that’s coming— |
| the time when
your tears can’t be kissed away |
| by me. |
| |
-
Don Aker |
Click
here to see the poet's explanation.
|