Summer Camp Souvenirs

When I got home from camp today,
My parents almost died.
They asked me how I got this way,
And here's what I replied:

"This little cast from heel to hip
Is nothing much at all.
Some broken shingles made me slip
From off the dining hall.

"The poison ivy's not so bad.
It missed my back and chest.
Of course, I guess I oughta add
Mosquitoes got the rest.

"I tried to eat some hick'ry nuts
And cracked a tooth or two.
And all these bruises, scabs, and cuts?
I haven't got a clue.

"I got the lump that's on my head
From diving in the lake.
I should have watched for rocks, instead
Of grabbing for the snake.

"That leaves this bandage on my chin
And these three finger sprains,
Along with lots of sunburned skin
And sniffles from the rains.

"And oh, I got a muscle cramp
And very nearly drowned.
It's some terrific summer camp,
The coolest one around."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Carl Avatar
April 1, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Fantastic! I love your style and it's a very entertaining poem.
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 5:09 AM
Thank you very much for your kind comment and for taking time to post it.
Akande Avatar
March 28, 2023 at 2:35 PM
A narrative poem with tragic experience... I love this, interesting!
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:49 AM
Thank you for taking time to comment. and welcome to Poetry Soup.
Jeavons Avatar
March 28, 2023 at 10:13 AM
Richard, I have read all of your poems that were in the email and I fell in love with your writing! Summer Camp Souvenirs was my favorite! I can see it as a children's book for sure!
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:46 AM
Thank you very much. I wrote this nearly forty years ago for my middle school students. I've written hundreds of rhymed, metered poems since then; but this remains my personal favorite.
Welch Avatar
March 28, 2023 at 6:34 AM
A funny and entertaining poem. I plan to continue reading all your poems.
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 5:02 AM
Thank you very much. I'm flattered and hope you enjoy them.
Poetry Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 10:51 PM
So amusing, Loving your poetry. Good one.
Duncan Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 2:22 PM
Awesome
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:32 AM
Thank you very much.
Daniel Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 8:31 AM
A brilliant poem, Richard, I was laughing at the end of it:) awesome:)
Black Blacharczyk Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 8:23 AM
Good one
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 3:46 AM
Thank you for taking time to comment,
Leeper Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 8:07 AM
Very reminiscent of "Camp Grenada" by Allan Sherman - which is rather good! Trying to think of a classical piece besides "Dance of the Hours" to put this to... :D
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 3:41 AM
Thank you. I am old enough to remember the Sherman song. As for "Dance of the Hours," I also remember the comedic version of it played by Spike Jones's orchestra in the 1950's. comedic band long ago
Calasibetta Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 7:30 AM
How fabulous...you certainly covered every 'nightmare' of summer camp. Well done, beautifully crafted. Cheers, Paulette
Gauthier Avatar
February 16, 2018 at 7:47 AM
Wow, the complete camping experience -a thoroughly amusing read. Chalking this up to a FAVE, Richard !
Reese Avatar
February 16, 2018 at 4:21 AM
hehe...very relatable....fun read :-)
Raynes Avatar
February 6, 2018 at 5:01 PM
bahahah, great write Richard, funny stuff, welcome to poetry soup, looking forward to reading more of ur stuff. Lewis
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