Evening Fire

The thing about nights while camping is this:

You never know what the drama will be

From the moment you duly extinguish

The evening fire to sunlight through the canopy.

Maybe sound amplifies in the pitch black

Because every small noise portends danger

And suggests a threat. The slightest crack

Can’t be deer, the sigh of trees, a passing Ranger,

But a prowling bear, a poisonous snake,

A skunk, thieves, Jason. Perhaps the neighbors

Fighting and music will keep you awake

Till lulled asleep by their diesel generator.

Dawn arrives: nothing is amiss nor dire.

Sip tea, coffee, or cocoa by a morning fire.

~ Camp Host Chad

Morning Fire