The Dream Factory

He worked with dreams
His entire life -
Sometimes days,
but mostly nights -

The machine he ran had lots of parts.
And every night at the stroke of nine
He pushed the button labeled START
To begin production on the line

And filled the empty sleepy heads
of all the people lying in bed
with spontaneous dreams
from his magic machine -

Which was for the longest time
The top of the line
but being mechanical
began to decline
And was replaced with one of virtual design

And like his machine
He he became obsolete
And was asked to retire,

So they wished him well
and sent him off
With genuine praise
From his immediate boss -
Who said his departure
Was a tremendous loss -

But within two days
They had a new hire
(To whom they gave
an immediate raise)

They gave him a big,
Farewell luncheon
And everyone who came
Swore they'd always remember
His invaluable contributions -

But for all their spontaneous,
heartfelt intentions
In less than a year
He was hardly mentioned.

He lived out his life
In relative peace
And then one day
He died in his sleep

And the last dream
He dreamed
was his to keep...