Big Four

A childhood memory of camping

BIG FOUR

I was seven

That day we waded the south fork

Of the rushing Stillaguamish,

Cousin Mel and I,

Each a hand tightly grasped in

Father’s.

We had pitched camp

Amongst the crumbling foundations,

The sinking brick paths, 

Near the still standing chimney

Of Big Four Lodge,

Once playground of the wealthy,

Once only reached by train.

We climbed the dusty, steep,

Old, old trail.

Together we stood reviving

In the chill breeze

Of the cave,

The tons of ice overhead

Melting drop by drop

To fall on heads and shoulders.

Blinking, back in sunlight,

We watched reflections shimmer

On a small pool.

Father having dared,

Clothes shed,

We jumped into that mirror

Of heart stopping

Melted ice field,

Screaming, scrambled out.

We ate mac and cheese 

Hot off the white gas stove

That eve,

Hot dogs charred in our fire.

As dusk fell to darkness 

Far from city lights,

We lined in shared anticipation.

Chins and eyes skyward,

Father gripping elk hunting field glasses,

Our vision darted

Horizon to horizon,

Searching, searching

A thousand and one stars.

Look, look!

A hand shot up, pointing.

We shared the nation’s fervor, fever

To spot a speeding satellite

For every night held that dawn

Of the Soviet/U.S. space race.

We kids 

Slept in the open,

My parents

In the big green canvas tent.

‘Round midnight

Mother woke us 

With a wild yell,

A big, fat bullfrog

On her feet,

Its eyes found with

Flashlight.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This was a wonderful memory drawn for the reader; a happy, simpler time when time with family was important. I really enjoyed reading it. F.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Fabian

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Fabian

[Dorian]

This poem is alive. Have a nice story and well written. Super!

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Dorian.

[Thomas W Case]

Superb work. You bring this to life.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks Thomas. I have visited the site in recent years. It’s been modernized with asphalt trails, a bridge over the river. Ruined it for me.

[Ken e Bujold]

Hi Michael, Emma suggested I read your poem. My first read of yours, and really enjoyed the visit. You make the childhood memory come alive, painting a vivid picture of youth and all its wonder

Ken

[LisaCarol]

Hi Michael - Emmajoygreen recommended this read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Memories of camping are wonderfully described in this piece. I also enjoyed the reference to the Soviet/US space race. Thank you for sharing your writing. I plan to read more.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you for the kind words. It’s lovely to have a new reader.

[emmajoygreen]

What a wonderful set of memories you've shared with your reviewers! I'm going to nudge some other readers here if I can. What you've described vividly visual start to finish is a work of art!

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you for your very kind words, and for the inspiration you and others have given me here in the Cafe. I was not much of a poet until making Friends here, but the more I read the more I find my own words, my own memories emerging.

[emmajoygreen]

That's a grand feeling, isn't it. Partly because you know you're among friends and good people! POET LAUREATE, here you go!