the bulk of the set-up
at our campsite done
my son and I scouted out
the best trees at hand
to wrap with the good strong twine
we'd brought
to tether up my haven

this year I was determined to
stretch out on my hammock
it seemed I always said that
but often we failed
for one reason or another
to bring the apparatus


but on this, the first camp trip
since my surgery
I made sure
it was a priority
in the packing this time

now, perfect in its readiness
all I need is to relax there
lulled by nature's sway
of gentle rocking. Simple?

Not quite.
It seems the moment my second foot's
just landed up beside the first
and my bottom anchored to comfort point
spine supported by orange weave,
sunscreen on, eyes closed
feeling the sunlight dappled through tree leaves
my Walkman at the right setting and position
the edge of a breeze tickling
even the bees and mosquitoes respectfully
passing me by

then, consistent as night and day
predictable as nightfall
the cry sounds out - from one human
on the campsite
or another

"Mom, what's for lunch?"
"Dear,where's the grocery list, we're going into town"
"going hiking, where's the...?"
"Ask your mother."

Aw, kind of sweet, to be needed still
and it's just the law of
hammock life

07/13/2001