Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half light; I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half light; I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

📖 Barry Eisler

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Novelist

(0 Reviews)

This beautiful poem speaks to the delicate nature of dreams and aspirations, highlighting their vulnerability when shared intimately with others. The imagery of celestial cloths embroidered with gold and silver, the shifting hues of night and light, conveys a majestic yet unattainable grandeur. The speaker wishes to metaphorically lay these exquisite, heavenly cloths beneath the feet of another, symbolizing an offering of utmost respect, love, or devotion. Yet, constrained by poverty—not necessarily financial but perhaps also in resources or power—they have only their dreams to give. The dreams themselves become a symbolic gift, laid underfoot, open to the other's interaction. The concluding plea, "Tread softly because you tread on my dreams," is a powerful reminder of the fragility of these hopes. It warns against carelessness and calls for gentleness, respect, and understanding. This evokes a universal truth: dreams are often the most precious and sensitive parts of our inner world. We disguise our vulnerabilities with strength and ambition, but when we entrust others with our dreams, we extend an invitation to enter our most sacred space. This quote resonates deeply with anyone who has dared to hope or believe in something beyond their current reality. It recognizes the courage required to dream and the empathy required to honor those dreams, reminding us all to handle the hopes of others with kindness.

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June 17, 2025

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