A recurring dream about
Running up steep slopes
In a forest or in the mountains.
Lightfooted, none of the
Sluggish hideousness of
Having a body.
Sunlight on the rocky path
Dappled through and by
Leaves high overhead.
My own shadow stretched
Out before me, I don’t have
To worry about the sun
Burning my face.
Sliding into another dream:
An explosion casting me off
The face of the earth, my
Shadow severed from my feet.
I hover for a time in the void
Thrashing about, unable to wake
Up until I do, panting.
According to The Guardian,"Uhtceare is an Old English word that refers to anxiety experienced just before dawn. It describes that moment when you wake up too early and can't get back to sleep, no matter how tired you are, because you're worried about the day to come."