'My Talk with Bob Dylan Last Night' by Ron Whitehead

Poet meets singer in dreamworld

Lifetime Beat Poet Laureate Ron Whitehead unveils a new poem in which a dream instigates a meeting with Bob Dylan…

‘My Talk with Bob Dylan Last Night’

By Ron Whitehead

Strange as it may sound

I often have conversations

in my dreams with Bob Dylan,

Hunter S. Thompson, Johnny Depp, and others.

They are always friendly visits.

Last night Bob Dylan and I were talking.

Bob asked me, ‘In spite of everything,

do you believe?’ I stared at him then said,

‘No matter my doubt and disbelief,

I must believe.

Anyone who asks if love is real

hasn't known love.

Anyone who doubts they'll make it through the dark night

has yet to see the orange light of dawn.

Some people look at me with dismay and frown

and wonder who and what and where and how

and when they'll drive me outta this damn town.

But I've walked through that door before

so I sigh and yawn and wait

then I go on my own. I don't even bid farewell.

I fly far away.

Five thousand miles from home.

But this time I don't feel alone

cause I believe in love.

And even though she and I are far apart

I know that one fine day

we'll find a way

to reunite.

I believe in her.

I smile through the tears.

In lightning and thunder and wind and rain

I laugh despite the pain.

I'll never go back.

I'll wait here for her.

Cause I believe in love.

I believe in her.’

Dylan smiled.

Then I woke up. It was 3am.