Sleep Away Camp

by cabin four, sitting on a crooked step
forest sounds could be heard
trees whispering
brooks babbling on
birds fight for a sleeping spot

I sit alone and watch… go nowhere for a minute
catching my kiddish breath
as the tired sun dives face first
into the hills
tucking in for a summer night

the river is cold by now
I know because of the goosebumps
trunken friends are half-naked, wearing ball caps
and towels running toward a legendary fire
chasing its mystical warmth

I run as well now
catch up to them, step on a marshmallow or two left behind
heading for a bright orange monster tamed for us children
and our nighttime snacks
it crackles as we meet

looking around, I see my friend’s glow
throwing laughs at each other
poking the flames, taunting them at times
pretending to be big
while tying their knots into friendship

amazed, all of our eyes
big, all of our smiles
together that “do your best” group
at the age of about ten
with skin knees and bad burns

I still sleep away to that camp
on nights when the air is the same
or a tinge of smoke fills my nose
maybe I hear kid chuckle
eat a marshmallow