Nightmares: age 15

by Sally Ann Houston

How could life be tolerated if it were not for the creation of dreams?

Peaceful and renewing, full of inspiration and hope,

meant to bring you far from reality to perfect places, perfect dreams.

But not dreams. Not now or ever.

Nightmares they become when life is even more.

To haunt the hours of sleep until even in sleep it is intolerable.

What is a person to do?

How can this life be tolerated when there are no longer dreams

to ease the nightmares of reality.

If peace can not be arrived at in the sleep of night,

then how can peace be so acquired?

Is there never peace for those without dreams?

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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