Pillowkins

Loneliness retreated

from the heart

 of a little girl named Anna

when imagination

climbed between

the pillows of her bed.

Nestled in their percale home

a tiny family named Pillowkins

came to life at bedtime.

Papa, Mama, Stitches, and Lace

greeted her as soon

as the lights were turned out.

There were giggles and whispers

as the tiny troop climbed Feather Mountain

to slide down golden hair strands

into Anna’s hand.

Anna’s freckled, chubby face

lost all the sorrow of being picked on

and beamed under the spell

of her nighttime friends.

Secrets she must keep in the daylight

didn’t matter under the glow

of a nightlight moon.

The small family was always delighted

to be the guests of their young friend.

Gathered under fantasy’s canopy

they played in the light of Anna’s smile.

There were adventure rides on buttons,

swims in laughter’s tears,

and twirling rides on ribbons.

The Pillowkins stayed with her

until Anna’s yawns and heavy eyelids

told them slumber was near.

With whispered goodbyes

she placed them back in their

home between her pillows.

The family waited until Anna fell asleep

and then gathered in their doorway

to watch over her until morning.

©Susie Clevenger 2011

This was from my childhood.

 My imagination birthed the Pillowkins.

Prompt: Poetry Picnic Week 13

 The Goose Berry Garden