My Dream of Dennis Lehane

I used to hang with a guy who liked to jump on a plane a couple of times a year to explore Europe, all by himself. He was a character and made friends with other characters from all around. One such friend was a man of inherited wealth, who lived on large estate in the English countryside. He styled himself after Alice Cooper, and not only looked like a rock star, had a recording studio in his mansion and shot music videos on his expansive grounds.

Image my subconscious shock to one night find famed author, Dennis Lehane, at this man’s country estate. The Dennis Lehane of my dream was there to play a recording of his own songs. Somehow, I knew all his musical aspirations would be decided at this meeting, everything hinging on whether the rich guy liked his music.

Well, there was the rich guy and Dennis Lehane listening to the author’s music through huge speakers out on the lawn. Both men dancing. Lehane paid close attention to the rock star’s moment-by-moment response to his songs; he seemed to be enjoying them. So, one moment they’re swaying to the music out on the grass, then a quick cut took me to the rich guy’s paneled office, where he sat behind a wide desk, shaking his head, giving Lehane the thumbs-down.

Lehane was heartbroken, confused. By the way, he was also sporting a fu manchu I’ve never seen him wear in real life – an added twist to the surreal. Anyway, even as the dream faded, I was glad he had his writing to fall back on.