De Ja VuMedgar Fallon Roe&

De Ja Vu

Medgar Fallon Roe

I felt the saddle’s movement;

I heard the horse’s snort;

Around my neck I felt the rope

Of my weight to soon support

Underneath a giant oak

I sat upon my steed

As I awaited punishment

For some malignant deed

I heard the creaking of the hemp

Against an oaken limb

‘T is Hell would I soon visit

… I was sitting on its’ rim.

I looked down, and all around:

Were oaken acorns on the ground

I urged to pick them up …

But … both my hands were bound.

My thoughts were all distorted

My vision was a blur

I tried so hard to scream

But … my words were just a slur

I felt the rope go taut -

Someone slapped my horses’ rump …

I heard the snapping of my neck

And felt the jerk and bump!

Suddenly I was screaming

Sitting upright in my bed

Sweat was pouring off me

I was sure that I was dead!

Slowly did I realize

The nightmare had been a dream

All was calm and normal

… not like it had seemed.

Back down on my pillow

I lay my sweaty head

Smiling unto myself …

I was glad I wasn’t dead

I felt something on my pillow

 … in the dim light did I stare …

Horror rushed back into me:

‘T was an acorn lying there!