When I dream
of the dead
I can never recall
what was said.
Save one time.
Mom’s voice! Sublime!
She was upstairs
“Come”, she dares.
Something felt odd,
like a facade.
Told her, “no”,
she’d died long ago.
Said there’s a secret.
I replied, “keep it.”
When I woke choking,
thought you’ve gotta be joking.
Her visit was purposeful.
Came collecting my soul.
Somehow I stopped it.
So here I sit.
But I often wonder
if I made a blunder.
About the Creator
Nikki Torino Wagner
I know stories. After getting suspended for peddaling my own magazine, in grade school, I started contributing to the local paper's weekly column. In college, I co-edited, and won several awards, for our paper and literary magazine.
Reader insights
Outstanding
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Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented



Comments (8)
Hauntingly beautiful, I loved it!! A definite gut punch but in the best way
This seems like one of those dreams that’s terrifying but you miss it when it’s over. Absolutely beautiful
This was beautiful and heartbreaking. You captured this dream perfectly. I love it so much.
I thought this was beautiful. I loved it
I remember when you shared that dream. You captured it perfectly!!!
Kinda creepy and I love it. Definitely relatable! ❤️👀
Sad, terrifying and beautiful!
Beautiful work and relatable to those who’ve lost loved ones. Can’t wait for more!