Only A Dream

The words of the poem make very clear which is reality and which isn't, but the reference to the waking life as a nightmare indicates that that also has an unrealistic quality.

The windows being open give me an impression of the dream having already left the room into the night air.

The photo of the reclining woman viewed alone appears peaceful and serene. Combining it with the words of the poem give it a feeling of poignancy and trying to seek shelter. The woman is halfway to a fetal position, marking something of a self-defensive reaction.

The title, which is a phrase usually used to comfort someone or one's self, also adds to the sense of heavy emotion and sadness. The use of that phrase occasionally is used regretfully, though it is still more common a comforting one.

The use of a normally comforting phrase in such an obviously negative situation creates a mild sort of dissonance. It is something that can be overlooked at first and affect the subconscious rather than the conscious, because the statement is clear and logical.

In addition, placing the title at the bottom of the poem has the effect of making it double as the last line of the poem and, with such a large font, could almost be imagined to be spoken under the breath by the woman referred to in the poem.