Cart Full of Snacks

One cold winter morn,

I shuffled from

house to car

and car to the store.

Down the isles

I strode

as I dropped

items in the cart.

I paused

I smiled

at the red box

that mom

let me hide away

in my reading nook.

Secured away from

my siblings

was a box

of Lucky Charms.

No bowl

no spoon

nor milk

was needed

only a fist

full of fingers

to grab

my reading snack.

Sweetened grains

mingled with

a star

a moon

and a diamond or two

danced among

teeth and tongue.

One page read

with my tasty treat

crunchy oats

with squeaky

marshmallow pieces

to revel in.

Minutes,

and many an hour

would pass by

as I indulged

in the ritual

of my reading rights.

Sweet days

and sometimes nights,

I lingered

eating and reading

to my delight.

Magically delicious

treats and words

sustained my body

and fortified my soul.

A magical moment

my Lucky Charms

and I shared.

Imagination built

through years

for today

one and two

boxes were placed

in my cart

I smiled

at my childhood

treat

knowing that

the ritual remains

as a childhood

treat

that was just for me.