Sick Day

A sick day adventure

Bright sunny day, nothing to do.

Stuck at home in bed with the flu.

Watched TV as long as I could.

And did some homework, like I should.

I tossed and I turned, sipped some tea.

The warm fall day was mocking me.

Temperature stable, chills no more.

Then a knock on my bedroom door.

It was mom come to check my head.

Not hot or cold, then out of bed.

I passed her test, done with my rest.

Going outside will be the best.

But that is not to be the way.

Had to stay in another day.

Picked at supper, slept through TV.

Dad tucked me in then read to me.

Just to make sure that I’m all right.

Mom checked on me all the long night.

Slept Okay, woke ready to go.

But to do what I didn't know.

Was really bored by midday.

Ran out of things alone to play.

Then found a key looking for more.

I tried every single door.

I checked and checked every lock.

I even tried the grandfather clock.

Every drawer, box and chest,

I checked them all, I did my best.

Found no treasure, just this old key.

At least it was something to amuse me.

With just minutes before my show,

Thought of another place to go.

The dusty, dark, spooky attic,

No place to be, when you are sick.

Turning the knob ever so slow,

Not sure if I wanted to go.

I’ve never been up there alone.

Then opened the door to the unknown.

Creaky stairs beneath my cold feet.

Dangers unknown that I might meet.

Darkness at the top of the stair.

Felt for the switch, I hoped was near.

With a flick my fear gone away.

More to explore on my sick day!

Much the same as when last here,

Boxes and cobwebs everywhere.

But not a lock to be found.

I searched and searched all around.

But in a dark corner never seen,

A little door painted green.

It had no slot for any key.

Opening it was up to me.

I admit I was very scared.

I stood for minutes and just stared.

Then lifting the latch, my hands shake.

Could this be another mistake?

Opened the door, hinges squeak.

Stuck in my head to take a peek.

The room’s empty, nothing at all,

Except a shelf high on a wall.

Found an old wobbly chair nearby.

Standing worried, reaching too high.

Pulled down the box hidden on shelf.

More than ever proud of myself.

I put in my key and it fit.

But wasn’t ready to open it.

I brought the box back to my room.

Into the light and out of the gloom.

Box on desk, took key from pocket.

Put it in slot, turned to unlock it.

Opened the lid ever so slow.

Not sure if I wanted to know.

What treasures lie hidden from view?

Something good or a pile of goo.

Lid half open, footsteps I hear.

Then closed the lid when mom came near.

Mom opened it up, said to me;

“That’s no place for a dragon to be.

I’ve looked high and low, all over,

For the dragon Gramp’s called Rover.

He wasn’t a creative guy.

But could pluck dragons from the sky.

But only when they’re very small,

Safe in hand and curled in a ball.

Then hid for a terrible day,

When there are demons to chase away.

You can visit, never at night,

That’s when dragons grow, in moonlight.

So keep it tiny in its box -

Or they get huge and tough as rocks.

Some are sweet, most others mean.

That’s why it best to keep unseen.”

Closed the lid before I could see.

She turned the lock and kept my key.

“You don’t need to go by yourself.

Attic’s safe with dragon on shelf.

Put the box back and close the door.

And try not to think of it anymore.”

Back downstairs, ready for bed.

But now there’s a dragon in my head.

They can be all colors or shapes,

Some are purple and round like grapes.

Some are short, some tall as a tree,

Some are small and cute just like me.

I’m glad there’s a dragon upstairs.

Now I can sleep without nightmares.

Not such a bad sick day at all.

I got better and had a ball.

Now when nothing to do or see.

I don’t have to search for a key.

You don’t need keys to unlock a door.

That’s what imagination’s for.

 

The End