There was a time…
When a lollipop really did make the hurt go away
After the shot at the doctor’s
Sweet, cherry goodness soothed my tears
Sadness-saliva mixed with sticky sugary-sweet licks
Heartfelt draws between sobs quieted the fray
As tongue and closed lips suckled the hard sucked-down nib
Playing with the stick, biting off the final flavored bits
A forever-imprint of the equation: sugar=comfort
Makes me long for lollipops to this very day
But it is really my mother that I crave
It is really her love and solace that I want
But all the lollies in the world won’t bring that to me
It is mine to give me now.
Life On The Skinny Branches 