I stand up at their door
Knock, knock, knocking.
On the other side
I hear familiar voices talking

It's only been 5 minutes
Since they tucked me into sleep,
But I'd rather be with my parents
So to their room I had to creep.

After I wait a moment
The door is opened wide
I said I couldn't go to sleep
That I was frightened- but I lied.

They let me in with smiles
Their eyes up at the sky.
I hop right in between them
Like a sleepy rabbit, I.

The blanket is a great big tent
Propped up by my parent's knees,
Until they turn back towards me
"Try to sleep now, darling- please"

I say I will, I mean it
As I curl up in the covers.
I close my eyes to please them
Since my parent's gaze still hovers.

I'm right there in between them,
Protected by their love.
And if I roll close to the edge
I get a friendly shove.

Comforted and happy
Stanley the stuffed rhino held real near.
He's three-fourths the size that I am
Giant, gray, and stopping every fear.

There's a Red Sox game on their T.V.
Teams versing other teams.
I fade off to the blur of colors
And see them in my dreams.

I sleep all night and into the day
Till a wake up's in my head.
I look around and realize
I was moved back to my bed.

That was when I was 4 years old
And life was but a dream.
I pulled this prank for months and months
Till life erupted with a scream.

I wish I'd not taken those nights for granted,
Since now I can do that no more.
And what's worse, my memories are fading
Of the serene nights when I was but four.