PoemAfterSummerCamp

After Summer Camp

We purchase duplicates of mundane things

thumbtacks, paperclips, stapler, tape

gleaned from department store shelves.

The same things pushed around our kitchen junk drawers

now become less familiar as we consider each design and color

placing selections into a crowded shopping cart

as the list of all that is needed is reviewed

We purchase things to keep you safe and us less worried

a bicycle helmet, a lock to hold a bike, a light for rides at night.

We purchase towels to dry you, a blanket to warm you, a fan to cool

and discuss the excessive options in technological gadgets

alarm clocks that project time on the ceiling and whisper you to sleep.

We select a computer that nearly sings when started

and order things you have always loved

books that will lead to new places.

You ask how may pens you will use,

how much paper will it take to keep your notes?

As if I could tell you how may words you will collect

like those rounded river stones you gather that glisten when wet

or the wild flowers you press in an old book.

I watch you as we check the list of all that is needed,

though this time you are not leaving

for a two week summer camp.

8/12/2007 12:47am