In Which I Channel Billy Pilgrim

I do not feel that I am really here.
A flash occurs, and I am lost in space
Or time. So vividly another year
Dwells in my brain I'm not sure in what place
I'd find myself if I could know for sure.
In Boston I once lived and worked and walked,
And in the next-door universe I stayed.
Last night, in dreams, in Bethlehem I talked
With Donna; all this morning I have strayed
Back to that town where I have never been,
Then home to houses that I never bought
But looked at while I chose the one I'm in.
It's not that I'm unhappy where I am
But somehow all this day has seemed a sham.

BONUS SONNET: In Which I Wish Milton Mermikides Many Happy Returns Of The Day

O had I only known back in the day

When I dwelt near the Attitude Gauntlet

Of Berklee College, that amongst the fray

Was such a guy as Milton! I regret

That I missed my chance back then for to meet

This person I admire now. Glad I am

At least that I can in this manner greet

Him on his birthday. But now, can I cram

Encomium enough in what I've left

Within this sonnet? Milton's music brings

Out patterns from what we would miss, bereft

Of his keen ear to notice them - such things

As bloodwork data, evolution, and

The brain's own rhythms -- such is his command.