"THE CAMPING MOTHER"

THE CAMPING MOTHER

by

BOUND4BURLINGAME.COM

I had a mother who camped with me
Sagas of insects that devoured our knees
Needle-like stingers in lieu of sharp teeth
Of minuscule nuisances that could sneak underneath.
I had a Mother who camped where she lay
Through cold snaps and downpours, or the sun’s golden rays
Stories of LL Bean®, Coleman® and REI® camping gear
Which all outdoorsy kids had the right to hear.
I had a Mother who told campfire tales
Of canvas tents dragged over hills, and down dales
True to the trail she’ll stay until death
Trudging up mountains till flat out of breath.
I had a Mother who camped with the “things”
That wholesome life to a kid’s heart brings--
Graham Crackers, marshmallows and chocolate…not much
Bedtime s’mores were the best…my mom’s special touch.
You may have tangible wealth to hold
stockpiles of fire starters and generators of gold
Richer than I you may never be--
I had a Mother who camped with me.

Our poem was based off from the classic poem "The Reading Mother" by Strickland Gillian

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.
I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings--
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a Mother who read to me.