CAMP

I grew up at camp
believing it was the only
reason summer existed

I grew up thinking
"I never want to spend my summer
any other way"

We would wake at
the rising whistle
and break a healthy fast

I could swing from tyres
tightly tied to branches
hanging on for dear life

Then swim in the lake
for hours on end
until my skin became wrinkly

I grew up at camp
believing it was the only
reason summer existed

I grew up thinking
"I never want to spend my summer
any other way"

Once a week
blankets were spread on the warm earth
a picnic was to be had

Kool-aid was spilt
dogs whined and begged
and egg salad was inhaled

At the end of the day
a fire was built
and people would gather

Stories were told
marshmallows were burnt
and children kissed goodnight

I grew up thinking
"I never was to spend my summer
any other way"

I grew up at camp
believing it was the only
reason summer existed.

~Dianna Semenick