That’s not the question.  That’s…the dilemma.

I don't remember being particularly bothered or impressed by dreams when I was young. I do remember one recurring dream that came true and when it did ... I was blown away. I still think about the day that it became a reality. I remember my dad telling me late in his life that he hadn't remembered a dream since before chemotherapy. At the time, I thought that was a bit sad. Today, I wish I could replicate it .... but without chemo. The more life experience I've racked up, the less I want to dream. There are nights when I will not allow myself to go back to sleep as a way to avoid the "dreams." I hope this isn't your experience but if it is, perhaps this song was meant to find you.

To Dream or Not to Dream

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1] 

Old Bill once said, *“to be or not to be,”* 

But I whisper softly, *“to dream or not to dream?”* 

Each wish feels like a promise I might break, 

Each silence hides the courage I can't fake. 

[Pre-Chorus] 

To dream is to risk this fragile heart, 

To stay awake is to fall apart. 

One step forward, one step scared, 

Between the hope and the despair. 

[Chorus] 

To dream or not to dream — that’s my dilemma, 

The echo of a past that still remembers. 

If I close my eyes, will I lose or find her? 

Is love a dreamer’s curse or tender splendor? 

[Verse 2] 

Dreaming wakes the ghosts of what we missed, 

But not dreaming means they still exist. 

To see her smile or feel her fade, 

Each choice a shadow memory made. 

[Pre-Chorus 2] 

Dreaming means the pain might start, 

But not dreaming tears apart the heart. 

I see the stars, I fear the fall, 

Still I dream — or not at all. 

[Chorus] 

To dream or not to dream — that’s my dilemma, 

A trembling flame through storm and ember. 

If tomorrow calls, I might remember — 

That daring to dream is to surrender. 

[Bridge] *(soft, slow build)* 

If fear is home, then hope’s the door, 

I’ve turned the key a thousand times before. 

To love again, to learn again to see — 

The dream might break, but it sets me free. 

[Final Chorus – emotional crescendo] 

To dream or not to dream — I know the answer, 

Even scars can bloom like silver laughter. 

I’ll dream again, though the night still trembles, 

Dreams are where our hearts remember. 

[Outro] *(gentle, fading)* 

To dream or not to dream… 

That’s not the question. 

That’s…the dilemma. 

[Instrumental Outro]

This is original work is produced by AK Darvinson with a combination of observation, critical thinking, insight, heart, compassion, passion, creativity, and technology. All rights are reserved. Free sharing is encouraged. Commercial use via license only.