Alemanni Dreams

Rebecca (Just a Thought) and San (A Life with View) shared dreams on their blogs this week, prompting me to dredge up one that has dogged me for years.

I stand in a deeply wooded area. It is late spring or early summer, and the trees are just far enough apart to let in the sunlight brighten the leaves. The road ahead curves, and crosses over a green metal bridge.

Modern times? Only until I cross the bridge.

And, I am in the kitchen of a low, long wooden home, the only woman in a crowd of men. Dressed in a long maroon gown, I am warm and dry, but unsettled by the air of tension and waiting in the room. These men are my husband’s men, and we await his return.

I offer them food – beautifully cooked meat on a platter, but they draw back, offended. “You offer us a dead animal?!”

I turn, and pick up a large metal can (similar to one that holds anchovies today, complete will roll-back lid). “Flowers, then?” Large beautiful pink flowers float in a warm honey liquid. They are mollified, and begin eating.

The room fades, replaced by a vision of a black book, with the word “Crocus” embossed in gold on the cover. The word letters glow, as if by firelight. Something within me recognize it as my husband’s name ...

I have no idea why the dream has reamined so clear in my mind, but for years, I have searched for some reference to "Crocus". I checked Encyclopedias, random books, and, later, the internet. I knew it was not the flower. Perhaps I mis-remembered? Maybe, it was Croseus? Of Lydia? No … that didn't seem right.

I gave up.

Until last year. Last spring, I remembered the dream, and Googled “Crocus” - just for kicks. Hey - a hit! More than one hit. Apparently, given enough time, the Internet catches up to everything. Crocus was the King or Head Chieftains of the Alemanni in 3rd century Germany tribe. They battled the Romans, and later supported Constantine the Great in his campaign through Britain and Scotland. That feels right.

Odd, no?

I suppose I must wait for the net to conjure up his wife's name ...