I did not see
the spiral staircase
as a structure
that wound a path
up to the attic,
but as the launching pad
for a shuttle
that would take me
on an intergalactic journey
in outer space.
I can still picture
the module, the solar panels
and the docking berth.
I can also recall
the sad regret
when mother's voice,
abruptly,
brought me back to earth.
© Luigi Pagano
