Month: August 2024

*Note: this is a true story from my life, albeit slightly embellished and the camp name is changed

*****

The week dashed on for squirrelly scouts at camp, morale up-rared
New “chits” and badges by the dozen earned
At night the “pyro” scouts lit fires, their match-less skills up-flared
While staring at the flames we “truth or dared”
And scary tales were spun while mallows burned

My friend and I sat tuckered out from swamp walks and exploring
Some grown-up hollered, “Bedtime! Not one peep!!”
The tent and cots were spartan but exhaustion brought on snoring
Our neighbors suffered double chainsaws roaring
No Hilton could bequeath a sleep more deep

In dark of night a noise awoke me just outside our hut
Some prowling critter in the moonlight glow
Recalling that the tent flaps were unable to be shut
No zippers! Dread began to churn my gut
Surmised, “Now if it creeps inside? Oh no!”

Some scouts that afternoon had claimed a slinking skunk they’d scouted
I wondered if the stinker had come back
And might it bite? I thought, my mind with sleep and fright all clouded
A bear I’d scare away if I just shouted?
I bet it’s a raccoon out for a snack!

Then suddenly, beneath my cot a rustling sound emerged
The creature of the night had slipped inside
I dared not peep and cause the bed to creak! My heartrate surged
I froze as thoughts of fight or flight were purged
I hoped to wake my friend, but courage died

Eventually I heard it leave and I could breathe once more
I passed right out till moon and sun had flipped
My friend awoke; I swore, “A scary beast came through our door!”
It didn’t phase him, not one tiny bit
And ever since, I’ve stubbornly implored
“I’ll only sleep in tents that can be zipped!”