Last night, I had a rather unusual dream. Well, unusual because I rarely, if ever, have had a dream involving the President of the United States. And I’ve lived through lots of presidencies.
But anyway, I was on The White House grounds with hundreds, maybe thousands, of other people. It was winter, and the rhododendrons were covered with snow. I know there are rhodies on the grounds because I have been to The White House a number of times as a tourist. Gloriously huge rhodies, for that matter. We were all waiting for something… and soon President-elect Obama appeared from behind one of the rhododendrons. He smiled. We cheered. Little icy vapors escaped our lips. Then he addressed the crowd.
He said, “What is your wish?”
People yelled out things, but the sound was thunderous and deafening. I couldn’t understand what anyone was saying. Then he said, almost in a whisper, “I mean a real wish. A simple wish.”
The people became as silent as the snow.
In my dream, I spoke very softly as I looked at the rhododendrons and said, “More flowers.”
He said, “I can take care of that.” And he smiled at me.
When I woke up this morning, the dream seemed so real. And I guess that this wish is one that I do, in fact, wish for. I have always wished for flowers… wild ones on the roadsides, magnificent ones in gardens, simple ones that the smallest child can pick, exotic flowers, flowers in vases and pots. I think flowers heal people. Flowers bring out the artists, the writers, the dreamers of the universe. Flowers allow us to pause.
Flowers offer friendship and love.
Yes, I think I would ask President-elect Obama for more flowers. We could plant them everywhere. Involve children. And the elderly. Enliven every neighborhood. Make us pause. Reflect. Enjoy. Invigorate. Respect.
Learn. And love. Yes, more flowers is my simple, real wish.
What one simple wish would you toss out to our new President in these trying times?
I am probably just my usual hormonal self, but this entry and your dream wish for more flowers made me tear up a bit.
My simple wish would be for more hope. I know that was the message of his campaign, but I would really wish for more hope, for all people. For those who don’t have jobs or who are working three jobs to put food on the table. For those with sick children or aging parents. I would want everyone in this world to have hope, no matter what, just the simple feeling of knowing that things can and will get better.
What an interesting dream. Perhaps you were channeling Lady Bird Johnson. 🙂 More flowers is a wonderful wish. We could all use that kind of daily healing, inspiration, and joy. I don’t think I could come up with a better wish than that!
Sorry I’ve not been commenting lately:( Forgive me? That is an interesting dream.
I really don’t know what I would wish for. One of my biggest problems lately…I’ve forgotten how to dream (and wish.)
Oh, what a special dream. I agree we need more flowers. Flowers do have a way of putting a smile on your face and are healing. Not long ago, a co-worker shared her bunch of flowers with me so that I would have some on my desk too and it really made my day brighter. I would have to think on that dream thing. I will get back to you.
I love that- It reminds me of my favorite book! http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Rumphius-Barbara-Cooney/dp/0670479586
Hmmm… Simple wish? I just cannot come up with one– they are all far from simple!!!
My wish would go along with yours I think– more trees. I love trees and it seems like there are never enough around especially in cities. They give me comfort in a way. 🙂
Flowers and wildlife are the things I miss most about my former life. But they were not enough to keep me in that life. I hear NYC has a great botanical garden somewhere…