Wislawa Szymborska

In Praise of Dreams

In my dreams

I paint like Vermeer van Delft.

I speak fluent Greek

and not only with the living.

I drive a car

which obeys me.

I am talented,

I write long, great poems. 

I hear voices,

no less than the major saints.

You would be amazed

at my virtuosity on the piano.

I float through the air as is proper,

that is, all by myself.

Falling from the roof

I can softly land on green grass.

I don't find it hard

to breathe under water.

I can't complain:

I've succeeded in discovering Atlantis.

I'm delighted that just before dying

I always manage to wake.

Right after the outbreak of war

I turn over on my favourite side.

I am but need not be

a child of my time.

A few years ago

I saw two suns.

And the day before yesterday a penguin

With the utmost clarity.