There is a certain click-
of sneakiness
The-Oh-so-slow
and careful turning of a latch
When you are young
and want to know!
What is on the bed,
or in the desk-
I loved to tiptoe
over creaky farm house floors,
(these were grey in uptairs halls)
and walk the certain edge of steps
to attic rooms
in breathless heat;
to kneel and peer beneath
the fringe of iron bedstead
then held my breath
as painted candy box
was lifted so as not to scrape
carefully both thumbs
pried up the lid
to view treasures
laid within bright walls of gold
