SUMMER CAMP

When I was a kid, I used to loathe being packed off to summer camp. I was a pretty miserable kid, so I would probably have found a kernel of misery in any situation, but being sent to summer camp, however ostensibly 'fun' the activities, was really galling. It felt like being sent to school, with all the rules and the internal politics. What I really wanted to do was to stay at home with my mum. I wasn't interested in meeting new people, or trying new things, and I'm sure I can't have been the only kid to feel this way. I'd be interested to hear if others have had the same experience.

Summer

It’s summer.

I want to be under my covers

catching up on cartoons.

I want to be up in my room

reading comics and reordering

my rock collection.

I want to be kicking a ball

against the garage wall.

Don’t make me go

to summer camp.

Arguing, gossiping, being left out –

I had the whole of term time

for that.

It’s summer.

I want to choose fruit with you

in the shops.

I want to come with you

to walk the dog.

I want to help you out

with the baby.

I don’t want to go kayaking

or rock climbing

or football training.

I don’t want to follow rules.

I don’t want to keep sighing

and watching the clock

like I do every day

at school.

It’s summer.

Don’t make me go

to summer camp.