Opening

The blood red sea parts
to reveal a swirling background
As my eyes are drawn up
everything else disappears

There is no longer coughing
or rustling or fidgeting
And the rough texture of the arm
seems to become cotton candy

Their voices surround my head
through their mouths do not
Booming cries become amplified
And every note rings perfection

The chewing gun falls
As my mouth opens wide
I grab my mother's hand
And she understands

I am mesmerized