The spiked fever from the night crawlers

Had broken

Left the sheets soaked in sweat

Labored breathing

Sought release

When Mom rubbed the Vick’s

On my twiggy chest.

Her long fingers pumped oxygen

Fumes opened the nostrils.

After breakfast she boiled water

Poured into a bowl with vicks.

She took a canopy towel,

Placed it over my head

Let the steam percolate.

Stinging eyes didn’t cry.

She massaged my neck

While her magic freed

My stuffed membranes

The facial flush

After the towel was removed

Made me feel faint

Until I saw her blue smile

I miss you.