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

Comments

Anonymous said…
what a lovely imagination you have
Tigerbrite said…
Absolutely delightful. I especially like 'fantasy's canopy'
Anonymous said…
This is very sweet. A children's story, this should be read to all kids before bedtime. Thank you for stopping by to my blog last week too.
what a sweet dream girl.
best wishes.

:)
Anonymous said…
Oh I love this so much. Gorgeous imagery and it makes me think of The Borrowers.
Victoria said…
This is so sweet. The innocence of childhood just permeates it.
Grace said…
Very lovely and creative write... perfect for a bedtime story.
amazing.

love it.
deep and beautiful piece.
Yousei Hime said…
Adorable. I could see this as an illustrated children's tale. I'm sure many a child would love to have such playmates at bedtime.
Adura Ojo said…
It's a special feeling to go back to those places in one's childhood. I know it when I visit mine. Delightful:)
Anonymous said…
This is lovely... I love this piece...
Irene said…
Aww Susie this is so cute and sweet :-)
profound,
we always learn from our past.


join us today, have fun!
Susan said…
How lovely. Was the little girl you? Thank God for imagination and night-time companions.
Susie Clevenger said…
Susan, yes the little girl was me.
Sheila said…
a family of angels to watch over you each night. what a lovely thought!
Monty said…
Ah, susie, I read then reread while listening to your beautiful rendition. love it. even the name pillowkins catches fancy of us too old to remember well that childhood imagination. thanks for taking me back there, lady :) if I had any use for envy, I'd envy your talent and art at capturing an emotion :)

Monty
Unknown said…
really excellent tale Susie. truly remarkable imagination at such an age. Really an excellent piece. thanks