Camping
(Dedicated to my
nephews and niece, and my children, who survived, even me)
Summers here oh
what a joy!
My brother sent
me his two boys.
My sister sent her
daughter too,
A lot of kids is
nothing new.
we're going to take
a camping trip,
My kids could lend
a few tips.
Like all the tv's
stay at home
Or you have to hike
the trails alone.
Alaskan rivers are
cold and sharp,
So don't go swimming
after dark.
Towels are all a
luxury,
If you get wet don't
cry to me.
After hours don't
leave the tent,
Unless the others
know where you went.
None of us are wearing
vests,
That moose back
there should say it best.
This isn't like
your woods back home,
Thar's bears in
these here bush you roam.
Every moment spent
with me,
Will guarantee a
memory.
Like mud baths I
sadi NOT to do,
Batisms in the Little
Sioux.
The little train
who thought he could,
Hiked two miles
into the woods.
Withered bodied,
tired and spent,
Groaned when I said
set up tent!
But grinned and
set up camp by fours,
While I prepared
the fire for smores.
Then Ghost stories
by a crackling fire,
Soon it's time we
all retire.
Then I hear a hunter's
shot!
don't go outside!
I repeat do not!
I lie and wait for
any sound,
Praying to God no
ones around.
Here I am with no
protection!
And a baseball team
with no direction.
If they had to make
it on their own,
In two years maybe
they'd be home.
It starts to rain,
oh that's just fine,
It couldn't pick
a better time.
I slip outside the
tent to see,
If any clothes are
in the tree.
I crawl back in
cold and wet,
A half inch space
is all I get.
The kids are snoring
quarter time,
I dig a rock out
of my spine.
When slumber finally
settles in,
The kids are ready
to "camp" again.
(c) Daneen Dustin
