On Dreaming

Certain dreams aren't meant for specific people. Dreams are shared by everyone. Dreaming - a common thread for human beings. Without dreams, it would be harder to achieve one's goals and aim ever upward. Sometimes, small dreams are sufficient, but greater dreams may need to be called upon during the most trying times.

While great dreams aren't necessary to achieve great things, they can broaden one's perspectives. They can open doors for great things. They can make the seemingly impossible, possible.

***

I few nights ago, I had an unusual dream. I was exploring the narrow streets of Hirakata. On each street, one side was lined with tidy homes, and the other side was lined with quaint, well-tended stores. It was a sight I hadn't yet seen in Japan. It reminded me more of New England than the Sun Origin Country.

The roads criss-crossed everywhere and seemed endless. At one point, I had strayed into an unfamiliar part of the city. It was getting dark and quiet. I had been with a friend, but she went back to school to prepare dinner.

As I walked on, I noticed that all of the stores were closed—all of the houses were locked up. It was unusual to me, since it was a weekday, and it wasn't yet 6:00pm.

A few houses away, there was a sound of laughter. I walked closer to it. The house looked familiar and awkward in it's placement. As I walked closer, I remembered seeing it in Albany. I pressed my face against a side window and peered inside.

***

An aged figure of myself sat in the center of the room. It was a familiar room—the living room of a house I used to visit frequently. I studied my face for a moment. Laugh lines were clearly visible around my eyes and mouth. I had a five o'clock shadow. Everyone surrounding me was familiar. We sat around a low table. There was a large pot in the middle of the table. Someone would occasionally grab something from the pot. Behind me, there had once been a poster of Marilyn Monroe. Now, a painting of a nighttime skyline hung tight against the wall. The once-white walls were now a warm shade of mocha.

As I listened, I heard myself speak. Was that English? I couldn't understand what had been said. The next few words were in English, but they were muffled. Maybe I had heard something about Japan?

To my right sat a handsome man. I recognized his face, but he had aged as well. He wore the same glasses he sported when he was younger. His hair was shorter now, and it was no longer dyed. He smiled the same smile I had always known, and he laughed the same laugh, too. He looked wonderful.

Across the table sat a beautiful woman. She had dyed her hair a rich shade of brown. I knew exactly who she was. The last time I had seen her, we were in that same room. Then, I remembered a letter she had sent me while I was studying in Japan. "What's wrong with you?" read the first line. I laughed to myself. She was still going strong.

Another man entered the room. He had grey streaks in his hair. He also wore the glasses from his younger years. Following him was a familiar woman. I hadn't seen her in ages. They sat next to each other. They both joined in on the conversation. Within moments, both of them were laughing like young children. They turned to each other and kissed.

Across from them was an unforgettable face. The last time I saw him, his skin glowed with a healthy tan. He sat next to a woman I did not recognize. Maybe she is his wife? He turned to my aged-self and called me something that sent the widest smile across my face. Larry-chan.

***

I walked to another window and peered inside. There stood the owner of the home. He no longer wore skinny jeans and a baseball cap as he cooked. His face had aged with happiness. His hair showed signs of grey, but still maintained it's jet-black color. A beautiful woman helped him prepare food. I know her face, but I have never met her. I couldn't put a name to her.

I looked around the kitchen and noticed a number of differences. It was painted orange, and the vinyl floor had been replaced with beautiful grey tile. All of the cabinets had been changed, and a granite counter top took the place of the old laminate one.

The two headed back to the living room with more food. Many more people had arrived. Almost all of them looked familiar. They quickly joined in the laughter and conversation.

***

I sat on the steps of the front porch in a state of Euphoria. I thought back to the last night I had been there. January 21, 2009.

***

The door opened behind me, and a handsome man stepped outside. He resembled his younger- self. My aged figure followed him. I stood up and looked at them. They were laughing. Both of them looked so happy. They turned towards me and stopped. They both looked at me for a while. My aged figure stepped forward. Without saying anything, he ruffled my hair. I felt a tear stream down my cheek.

He looked at me, then back at the handsome man. He turned back to me and smiled.

"Be happy, kiddo. Look at some of the great things that lie ahead of you, if you keep dreaming. So dream, because your journeys depend on it."

He paused for a moment. "And just remember..."

The handsome man on the porch stepped forward and spoke up. "...Always do your best, no matter what. We are always with you."

He stepped down to meet me. I took his hand for a moment. It felt the same way it always had. I cracked a weak smile.

He joined my aged-figure's hand, and the two of them walked to a blue car across the street. I looked at the car. Subaru. Some things aren't meant to change.

I walked away from the house, but as I did, I turned back in time to see everyone standing on the porch. They all waved to me, as if I had been in their company the entire time. I waved back, and for the first time that night, I spoke up.

"See you soon!" I shouted.

***

[Dream:
"...and the hats whirled skyward,
buoyed by bright, new hopes
and propelled by big daring dreams!"]

夢 [Dream]

"Dreams
are today's answers
to tomorrow's questions."

***

...and as I dreamed, my journey continued on.