HOUR 4
FOUR BROWN DOTS
I was in the USA,
Four awe-struck months,
when I realized, people camped.
They left everything behind,
and took off into the wilderness.
And I was hooked.
My husband was horrified.
Why? We have a five and six-year-old!
The relatives in India asked,
why? Only homeless people camp
for necessity, not for fun!
The children didn’t care,
all could sleep in one bed!
We test-camped in the Adirondacks
for seven rainy days, without proper equipment.
The rain drops on the camper,
and mold on the canvas,
drove us home.
Undeterred, we got equipped.
That summer, we camped,
Across the country,
for four weeks.
We drove through Deadwood, SD,
with a thousand bikers,
and couldn’t believe the sight.
The incongruity didn’t strike.
Us four brown dots
in a sea of white.
Everyone treated us well
and thought our kids cute.
To this day,
a memorable trip.
Oh, what fun – and courage – to both do this and to write about it. What a great title, as well – an image to share with those who may never have experienced such a feeling of ‘other.’ And yet – joining the mainstream of an American dream of sorts and being welcomed. AND the kids loving it! A celebration on every level. Thank you!
We loved that camping trip. I look back with nostalgia, I’m not sure the rest of the family does! Thank you for reading my poem.
I absolutely love this!! The joys of camping and the adventures that come when you’re out in the elements!!
The trip was full of adventures, mostly because we were so inexperienced. So many terrible things could have happened, but nothing major did. Really people were so kind (and forgiving). Thank you for reading my poem!
what a lovely happy memory! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading my poem! We will always look back and smile.
I remember you from 2021. You commented then too. I hope you had a fruitful marathon!!
Yes, I did! Thanks!