Lovely piece Crystal. Really calming tone to this piece and love how it was penned. Great job xx

First stanza- What a beautiful start to this! The imagery is stunning. Though I'm not exactly sure the meaning, I loved how you actually did the point of view of the dreamcatcher. That was the prompt yes, but you went far beyond that. I believe in this stanza you are dreaming in a way. Or I guess you could say the dreamcatcher is capturing all of what you are thinking. I'm not sure.

Second- This stanza definitely makes a lot more sense to me. The dreamcatcher as it has more use is getting worn down and falling apart. But it captures all of your nightmares. I do love the way you worded this stanza though, back to oblivion where nightmares belong. Excellent imagery.

Ending- OMFG! This ending.... I would have never thought a dreamcatcher to being a soldier, but in a way it does save your life a lit, by capturing what you do not realize. Only you know what it has done for you. This poem... Is unbelievable crystal. Loved the title as well!!

I love the imagery in this piece so much. You took such an overused idea and turned it into something so completely unique and out of the blue - it's wonderful. I love how simple your word choice was and yet the piece was still incredibly elegant and well penned. I really really like this.

Phenomenal write.

Beautifully written :)

Crystal! I have read this a dozen times and I'm completely in love with it. Thanks for participating, I'm truly impressed with this absolutely gorgeous piece! Each line is so elegantly placed, it flows smoothly to the next, connecting the dream catcher to it's owner and how it feels exhausted and neglected.

The first stanza is such a simple moment, the owner plucking the strings of the dream catcher like it's an instrument, maybe something he is doing out of boredom? But he doesn't realize that he is actually plucking the strings of it's heart and with each strum, it becomes a little more worn down, a little frayed, on the verge of broken.

Night after night, the dream catcher has dedicated it's life to battling the demons within his mind, catching all of the nightmares before they have a chance to register in your state of mind. I love the usage of 'dog-eared' and 'tail-tucked' ... it fits so well together without feeling forced.

The dream catcher is a guardian of the night, protecting him at all costs... yet he never recognizes it as a hero, only an object that collects dust on the wall. Seriously, you blew me away with that ending! It's absolutely incredible!

I nominated this, hope it wins! <3

Judging comment:

Wonderful piece inspired by the prompt! There is a new admiration I now have for dreamcatchers, and quite a humble presence in your verses. I love the first image of him plucking at your heart strings, as if you are a guitar and he is trying to make sense of his life and what haunts him... and that perhaps he can find calm when you are near. The second stanza speaks to me as you being a loyal protector of this person no matter the cost, or how worn out you appear. The image of casting away his nightmares and making them afraid to return is strong here! A very simple ending but it impacts the reader with the comparison to the soldier, as many military may not be honored and recognized for their service if they have been wounded or killed. I personally don't have a dreamcatcher but I think they're neat and decorative, and your words gave grace to the dreamcatcher and personified it beautifully. (7)