First Day at N-Sid-Sen, 2004
-to the campers

This is the year of invasion,
yellow jackets buzzing our bodies
and brains. Already, we're complaining!

And this is the year
of the "Come Join the Party" theme
- though yesterday was no party -
the counselors balanced golf balls
on tables (don't ask me why)
and later, you were the red ball
we kept in the air.

It's all tricks and metaphor
as is we could prepare for magic
of who you are now and what
we will shape: a new community
formed by water, wind, heat,
the stones you carry and will leave
here, and the stinging love
you will create here.

And the bees.

Gayle Kuane
Aug 1st, 2004
Camp N-Sid-Sen