At five, my dreams are isometric. In my hands,

maps stitch across glossy pages and I memorize

each of their worlds. Each month, a new issue:

Now You’re Playing With Power! reads the slogan,

and I am dazzled. 1989 is a year of pixels

and chiptunes and hastily-plugged aux cords,

a TV set to channel three, footie pajamas 

and an extra hour granted before bedtime.

It is a year of new magic, confidence

in being the hero, the last guy always defeated. 

It is the first addiction, the first time

I use cheat codes. The last time I am happy.

---

L.M. Camiolo is a writer, editor, and horror lover from Philadelphia. You can find her on Twitter @guzzlinseltzer.