3:00 AM Challenge Winners

B. A. Durham’s False Memories blends dream and reality in a seamless mix. As his father, afflicted by Alzheimer’s, fades away, the narrator is haunted by a dream that may be a memory, returning to him insistently. The piece is full of wonderful detail (the father touching his lip where once there was a mustache, “but now he is clean-shaven—he has been for years” — and moving in revealing the complexities of a family’s life. A worthy winner which shows the power of dreams to influence us.

In second place comes D. K. Shepard’s Midnight Train, which also finds resolution in the wake of nightmare. We loved the way the piece begins in a real setting that turns out to be a dream; we felt drawn into the authentic life of these boys as their lives were disrupted by a terrible accident; a dream wreaks damage until it heals.

And there were some positively dreamy — you’ll forgive us — runners-up. Mary K. Brackett places for the first time with Red Sky at Morning, which has a compelling, Close Encounters feel to it; leaving mystery intact. Bravo to Lily Séjor for Dreams of Fish, with its easy dialogue and nice resolution. Dominic Casey-Lee’s Heaven is Behind Closed Eyelids is a loving tribute, rich with the details of life, its narrator drawing comfort from a cockatiel: we can feel the brush of wings.

As ever, thanks and congratulations to all our Vocal creators for putting your energy into our challenges. You’re a dream come true, and we’re always grateful.

You can check out the full list of winners HERE and learn about our current challenges below: