1962

sick again
home from school
snuggled underneath three blankets
lovingly arranged on the raspy 50's green velour couch
my mom concerned but smiling at me
alternating between keeping an eye on me
and watching her soap operas
the taste of hot chicken noodle soup still on my breath

December windows steamed up
I clutched the stories of the Arabian Nights in my hand
Sinbad, Ali Baba, The Two Queens, Aladdin and his magic lamp
my fevered little brain saw myself in the cave
saying open sesame
feeling the flowing gold tinkling beneath my feet

everything in the world was perfect that day
my mom's love and protection a warm ocean
embracing the sniffling little boy
with his rocket ship pajamas
and his rocky and bullwinkle mug