"Didn't you ever have a dream?" The disbelief echoes.

I think. The words vibrate deep inside.

What to say? Silence.

Yes, I had a dream.

I had a dream that one day we would be.

But that was ruined before we even met.

I dreamed of you; every hour, every night of the week, every chance I got.

But you disappeared when my eyes opened.

I hoped and waited.

We danced in my head to imaginary scenes

Perfect tangos and professional waltzes.

I dreamed one day it would all work out.

It never will.

I dreamed of a lot of things.

Things that won't come true.

They are shattered dreams now.

Tears threaten to come.

But I have too much pride for that.

I cock my head sadly to the side.

"Alright. It's true. I had a dream."

He looks to me with aching, prying eyes.

Expecting me to open up

Just because I never do.

"But now I'm awake."

The lines of "Didn't you ever have a dream?" and "But now I'm awake" are from the film Carlito's Way. And those lines in particular really struck me and inspired this poem.