He is known throughout creation by countless names. Anywhere that life exists, he and his seven ageless siblings guide the forces that shape it. He is Dream of the Endless. The year is 1915. And the universe is about to end.

Originally published in single magazine form in The Sandman overture, 1-6, by DC imprint Vertigo.

A flower burns -- A meeting's taken -- A child learns -- A star's forsaken -- As night returns -- Old worlds awaken -- "Meanwhile...".