A Week Off

What did I learn?
that putting up a tent
in a howling gale
is more fun
than taking it down

That a leaking tent
can only leak so much
and so clothes
can only get so damp
and still be worn

That when you think
about it clearly
no one is really looking
as you strip off
layers on the beach

That getting into
a soaking wet wetsuit
makes for a lot of fun
for pretty much everyone
as I collapse in giggles

But also that wetsuits
are the perfect gear
for lying on the ground
and letting the rain
pour over your face

That nothing tastes
better than hot chocolate
and barbequed sausages
in onion bread rolls
with no salad, just sauce

That it's exhausting work
trying to turn cartwheels
in the sand
attempting to match
what small boys do

That a week is too short
I am home now
safe and sound
warm and dry at last
and satisfyingly tired.

11 comments:

  1. I am sorry Annie, I was soooo tired yesterday that I pressed the wrong button when I hadn't finished writing. That's why this disappeared and has now re-appeared. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful words of joy and fun.
    Katelen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jos, glad to know I was not going crazy :-).
    Rain or no rain, it looks like you had fun.
    Wonderfully written, as always. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jos, it sounds beautiful. All of it. You sound young...so young....orange, even in a storm. Bright, blooming, orange.

    Love
    Annie

    ReplyDelete
  5. OH THAT LAST LINE. Satisfyingly tired! Damn! I love it... this is the stuff it's all about. Pushing past the comfort into the thing that tires us and being satisfied.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wonderful adventure was had by all!!!! You lucky duck!!!!!! Nothing beats that feeling of being exhausted and exilirated!!!!!

    Hugs,

    ♥ Robin ♥

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow! that sounds like so much fun! What a great thing to have a great time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such wonderful, inspirational words. With so much balance

    ReplyDelete
  9. wonderful story - love the idea of cartwheels in a wet suit

    ReplyDelete
  10. well, jos, you've painted a picture here. what a great trip this was! and that you KNOW it was a great trip is the best part.

    love always
    kj

    ReplyDelete
  11. Had to return to re-read your poem and look at this amazing spirale too. Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete