Sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee
and listening to the gently falling rain
outside my open window, I am reminded of
times past---simpler times
when I was a child.

I would lie in bed
listening to Muddy Waters
from a Chicago blues station
on my multi-band radio.

My head would be propped up
on a pillow laid on the windowsill
and the cool breezes
would cause the rain to splatter
gently against my face
as I drifted off to sleep
with a serene smile.

I would dream
of magnificent herds of wild horses
running free in a beautiful valley
encircled by purple hued mountains
with white caps,
swimming in my favorite swimming hole
on Mona Lake,
fishing in the bayou with my brother Ed,
ice skating on our homemade ice rink
with my sister Bonnie,
majestic eagles in flight

and cats eye marbles.

I have an overwhelming urge

to get my pillow.