I received an email from someone who read my poem called "Illusions",asking what is different about dreams. I wrote this article,which is only my opinion, hoping it helps answer the question.

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Dreams are something we have when either asleep, or awake. Illusions are something we create,and fantasize over. Fantasy is almost the same as illusion,but clearly exaggerated ideas, over the top, and usually something we do for amusement. Illusion is more subtle and therefore more deceptive. However,fantasy can help if you are artistic, but it becomes  a problem if you don't learn to control it.

With dreams we visualize thoughts we wish could be real. It is this kind of dreaming that can be very  beneficial,and allows us,  to create things that are invented such as electicity.Or visualize scenes to write or paint or produce films about. There are a myriad of reasons to want to dream.

Illusion is defined as something that we see as there, when it doesn't exist. An example is seeing   on film an animation of a boy that looks like he's running to get away from a wolf chasing him,In reality both wolf and boy are stationary, the movement comes from camera shutter  action which we see as movement.  It is a sham, as is much of illusion.

Illusions usually come from thoughts we shouldn't have. That is one way to tell the difference from dreams. An example,  having thoughts about someone you would like to be with,but you're married and so are they.

So you create all kinds of scenarios,adding on each time you fanatasize them, until you have a psuedo-relationship going that you can't wait to be alone to think about. I believe there is an outside force that enhances illusions to captivate us, and that is why illusions are so strong causing
a lot of problems for some people.

In some cases, it becomes so vital that you have to make it real no matter what the cost. That is the sad thing about illusions ,it can cost us more than we ever bargained for.

Fantasy,is  over the top. It comes from way out thoughts in which we conjure up things we willnever do but,love to imagine ourselves doing. Usually something like being a Batman or Superwoman.  Fantasy can be fun if you are  mature enough to know the difference,and not make it a daily matter.

To sum up, dreams are good,though we can get too caught up in the process, however they shouldn't  be thought of as impossible.  It is illusions that  tempt us to get involved in their offerings until we become entranced. Stay away from illusions.,they are what is impossible to attain,and if on the rare chance you did it ends in  disaster.

Fantasy is too far out to become real to us,so usually doesn't do any damage. Dreams can be your path to happiness if you dare to make them happen! Most inventors, and those who create new wonders,can credit some of it to dreams.Remember to separate,dreams,and daydreaming which are good sources, from nightmares, illusions,and fantasy,which are not.

etw-2008