Writers Roundtable April 9: Dreams and Literature

This Saturday, April 9, the monthly Writer’s Roundtable will work on the topic of “Dream and Literature.”

Philomena Robinson will present the connections between dreams and writing — actual dreams, dream-inspired novels and poems, as well as any writing that uses the language and juxtaposition of images found in dreams.

All are welcome to attend the session from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Public Library. Participants are asked,  if possible, to come with a dream or anything connected to dreams and dreaming to read (not too long) or tell us about anything you are currently working on that you would like to share.

Philomena Robinson has taken many writing classes and workshops that include UC Berkeley, Columbia College Chicago and Lake Forest College. She has studied and recorded dreams for about twenty years.  Her Artist’s Book, Completing the Circle, was published with grants from The National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Albert P. Wiseman Scholarship Fund. The book is collected internationally.

She will conduct a class on making art books on Saturday, April 23 at the Library.

LAST NIGHT AS I LAY SLEEPING

by Antonio Machado

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt–marvelous error!–
that a spring was breaking
out in my heart.
I said: Along which secret aqueduct,
Oh water, are you coming to me?
water of a new life
that I have never drunk?

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt–marvelous error!–
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt–marvelous error!–
that a fiery sun was giving
light inside my heart.
It was fiery because I felt
warmth as from a hearth,
and sun because it gave light
and brought tears to my eyes.

Last night as I slept
I dreamt–marvelous error!–
that it was God I had
here inside my heart.

(Translated by Robert Bly)

Thanks to JoEllen Moldoff