Catch Jim’s 3-minute original podcast:
.
Life, actually…
.
FIRST, YOU DREAM
.
Carl Sandburg said it, and I’m glad somebody did:
.
“Nothing happens unless first a dream.”
.
What was that?
.
“Nothing happens unless first a dream.”
.
Carl Sandburg’s words keep haunting me as I go through the motions of getting ready for another day to envelop me.
.
Ever since I met Carl Sandburg in Tuscaloosa, back in the late 1950’s, I’ve found pleasure and hope in his words. But today, driving down these grey streets, I’m reminded once again that great thoughts have incredible staying power, if only we will preserve them.
.
Anyhow, I’m passing an intersection. On my left, a loft dweller is walking his large dog, pausing at the corner to wait for the traffic light, wait for a poop break.
.
Coming toward the dog man is one of the village’s scruffy street people, one who, along with dozens of others, works the avenues for cigarette butts and quarters.
.
The dog man is about to be solicited, but for a brief diverting moment, the street guy loses his attention, forgets his spiel, his story about why the dog guy should give him money.
.
He forgets because he sees the large dog and freezes in place.
.
Maybe he’s afraid, I think to myself. But no, he is not afraid. Suddenly, he’s a younger, more dapper version of himself. He bends over the dog, places his ragged-gloved hands on each side of its head, and pets him in a gentle and warm manner, smiling ear to ear and talking with the animal as if he’s his best friend.
.
The dog responds and the two have 25 seconds of bliss, looking into each others’ eyes, one panting while the other laughs. Then, as suddenly as it begins, the moment disappears, the dog man continuing his leashed walk, the ragged man putting on his best streetdwelling face and heading the other way on his daily rounds.
.
The observer man (me) continues driving by, feeling a bit warmer and remembering all those endless childhood summer days when he and his dog Brownie ran the streets of the village and knew without doubt that they would live forever.
.
Is the 25-second-smile enough to sustain the wandering man, enough to make him remember a childhood dream pet, enough to make him feel life is worth facing a few extra days, just to re-live wonderful old memories?
.
Is the dream of a better time enough to make the dog owner and the observer decide to do something besides dream, decide to make some extra effort for untethered villagers, give some extra time to nudging someone else toward a better life?
.
“Nothing happens unless first a dream.”
.
Thanks, Carl. Thanks, homeless guy. Thanks, dog man. Thanks, Dog and Brownie.
.
You’ve all provided me with the dream I need to make something happen
.
© Jim Reed 2025 A.D.