We Drive to Camp

-on the first night, while making a covenant, several people mentioned looking into another’s eyes as a sign of listening, acceptance, and connection.

We drive to camp bleary-eyed
after following a year of yellow lines,
But the center that wants to welcome us
is unfinished – only a floor.

We must sing our own welcome then,
in English, Swahili, Portuguese,
and shape a community
enveloped in this summer’s heat.

Look at the Lake –
this place was here long before us
and frozen one winter,
allowed two tribes to meet.

Nez Perce, Coeur d’Alene, held
a moment of communion,
just as we can create
a week of peace:

Let the campfire consume your troubles.
Let the dock float away with your sighs.
Let the stars come down and enter
the wild iris of your eyes.


Gayle Kaune
July 16, 2006