Friday, June 22, 2012

Ifs, Ands, Buts: Revolt of the Conjunctions

I'm not sure if it is the meds I take or not. More likely since I've done it all my life, I'm just a victim of an overstimulated subconscience. I've the most vivid dreams, brilliant in color, but sometimes more like an episode of Twilight Zone or Outer Limits. Sometimes I awaken laughing and shaking my head. This was one of those mornings.

Earlier I'd been dreaming of organizing genealogy lines. I've been working on that project, so that makes some sense. But somehow I was transported to a space where I was organizing words to be trotted out on the page in proper order to form a story. The words became animate, and scattered throughout an old apartment complex I once lived in. First came the nouns and verbs. They were easy to find. Into the line they went. Next came adverbs and adjectives. There was a bit more search for them. Some had organized into phrases and clauses, emulating metaphors to my delight. Scattered within were those lovely examples of onomatopoeia that help bring the story home. I welcomed them into the queue for the chosen words. "No problem teach!" Why do they call me a teacher. I don't teach anyone. I'm guessing they figure anyone messing with elements of grammar must be a teacher.

I laughed. "I'm no teacher, but you're a welcome sight."

Reviewing my work, something was missing. Then I heard the snickers. Up in the balcony gathered all the conjunctions, making mock of our work so far. They were simply crass and rude. "Hey teach!" shouted one.

"Whoa! I'd love to enter her course!" shouted another.

Looking at one of the words gathered below, another says, "Hey take a gander at that but!"

I looked up towards them shaking my head. They could't be serious about anything. "C'mon down here right now and get in line!"

"And?" shouted one.

"Or?" yelled another.

"I do know how to fix you if you don't get down here. Remember that time I dangled that participle? Or recall that split infinitive? Get down here right now!"

Dutifully they marched down the stairs and found their place in line, ready to be marched directly out onto the page. That's when my eyes popped open, shaking my head and wondering to myself where all that came from.

Dreams are amazing constructs, and I'm guessing each reader has their own stories to tell. I enjoy my vivid dream life. Especially when I awaken smiling or laughing to myself.It was like that this morning.