Enter Sandwoman by Maryssa Paulsen

A woman who knows my future sits at the edge of my bed while I sleep. Far away, I wander

about in Dreamworld. Whilst the body on my bed is hard and fast asleep, she is aware of the

presence at her feet.

Not by way of word, Sandwoman beckons my subconscious. She projects a vision into my

mind. My dream becomes a home video created by Her. Fear, curiosity, admiration—the

abundant emotions of my childhood dance on the screen of my mind in hues I’ve not seen while

conscious. I had not known that I was capable of such love and light. Whether by complete

unknowing, or having forgotten, I am unsure.

While in Her trance, Sandwoman gives no answers to the self-inflicted displeasures, horrors or

mundanities of living life on Earth. Instead, she kisses my cheek, recites a silent prayer and

sends it to me by way of wind. Whether Her prayer will reach me yesterday, today or

tomorrow—there is no way to know.

I wake, hoping for wind.