Snap Crackle Pop

Rice Krispy cereal scattered across the floor

I step on it.

Crunch.

It doesn’t make the fun sounds I remember as a child.

I remember Snap Crackle Pop.

Those cartoon characters who used to cheer me up

When I was alone.

That cereal was only good for the square marshmallow treats.

I had to dump a gallon of sugar for it to taste good.

Now I avoid sugar like the plague.

Do I need to?

No. I’m still a kid.

But all I can do is stare at the scale in dismay

I miss Snap, Crackle, and Pop.

My childhood friends.

They’re gone now.

All that’s left is the scatters of shattered cereal.

Twenty twenty is coming.

A new decade.

They don’t snap, crackle, or pop anymore.

They just crunch.