A slim cardboard tube
given in friendship long since lost.
Coated in primary red and blue and green;
topped with an orange lid that
                                           pops
                                                   off,
revealing a beach of brightly coloured pebbles
to be emptied onto my palm.
A treasure trove of crisp sugar shells
hiding warm, soft chocolate.
A treat to soothe the pain
of scraped knees.

Waking from sweat-drenched dreams
I lean away from the curve of your back
and return to childhood,
grabbing a handful
of sweets offered by new friends,
sugar-coated pills that exorcise grief
in the name of recreation
leaving only the staring dark.