Red Hot

(Author's Note:  I was ten years old when the Atomic Fireball was introduced to me.  I loved them then and  still do today.  2008 marks the 55th anniversary of the 'Red Hot', or more technically , the 'Atomic Fireball'.)

"Have an Atomic Fireball", coaxed Uncle Paul.

It looked like candy so I didn't stall -

A kid needs some candy when he's been good -

To keep him behavin' just like he should.

"It's a new treat", he said as he bent.

"Tastes just a little like peppermint."

I tore it open and popped it in my jaw -

A split second later I yelled to maw;

"Red Hot!  O Wow!  And How!

I felt the red - I felt the heat,

From newly spiked hair . . . to the soles of my feet.

With teary eyes and ringing ears,

A roller coaster ride for my youthful years.

Fanning and gasping with a whispered 'Whee'!

I looked in a mirror at a red hot me.

"Hey, Uncle Paul!"  I managed to call -

"Thanks Uncle Paul! . . . for the Atomic Fireball!"

(Later I reflected on what he meant -

I tasted the pepper . . . but not the mint!)