An Ode To Summer Camping
An Ode To Summer Camping
1
Dust off camping gear
take control of all tent stakes
ensure all tears are mended
a time to prepare
to layout all equipment
investigate fiberglass
Pull out hidden bins
where shovel placed with lantern
and poncho sits with propane
thick yellow ponchos
industrial grade protection
a few select pots and pans
Some tents are beyond
repair and are tossed away
with the broken fiberglass
tightly rolled Down bags
to keep us warm on our cots
tents enough for a small town.
This camping season
with morning preparations
maybe more than public lands
shared on our weekends
our survivalist efforts
maybe a payoff this year
2
While Dad and Son team
tackle tying down all gear
while the younger boys play swords
and their yellow lab
barks at the commotion
a neighbor jogs by and waves
Cheaper to take the kids
camping, my Dad used to say
we prepared for long weekends
when only a week
away to a wooded lake
where parents could read awhile
Fingers on nylon
when the morning dew makes drops
of breath hold still in the air
look over for a second
pull the bag over you ears
get up and make coffee soon
Sunrise over plains
while setting up camping stove
seems safe in this empty grove
let everyone sleep
as food is prepared in breeze
travelled through so many trees
3.
Use camping showers
hope there are no peaking bears
your towel air dries on the line
above the shadows
of the Black Rock Mountains
some days no trees to be found
One day we may camp
more often within the week
when days are not filled with jobs
performed for others
when our survival is key
thoughts upon our daily breath
The kids will still play
freely near every tent
their imaginary worlds
the parents will nest
between cleaning our breakfast
and preparing the next meal
I gather our gear
for now while I organize
necessary equipment
packed neatly and tight
for the moment we will stay
to see what tomorrow brings
For more works like An Ode to Summer Camping and other topics by this author visit
Jamie Lee Hamann Author Page
You can also find works by Jamie Lee Hamann on HubPages
- A Tanka For All Seasons - June 5, 2023
- Dream of Basho’s Garden - May 30, 2023
- Wendell Berry Haiku - May 15, 2023
This sure brings back memories. I always loved camping – the relaxing, cooking outdoors, the smells of the forest or beach and ocean, the joy of kids being free and exploring, and listening to nature sounds at night. I love this poem, Jamie. Thank you.
Thank you Phyllis. Jamie
Thank for the memories of my camping summers. Enjoyed.