Some Camp,
Some Friends

Cross continents, an idea flourishes.

Borders fade as something sticks out,
An online ad,
“You should apply.”

So, we auditioned, caught the flight,
Met each other, awkwardly nodded,
Traded names, ages and where-do-you-come-froms.
Like ideas in a boardroom.

We spent every day together, existing together.
Growing closer, discovering the new parameters:
Libraries, bakeries and ice-cream parlours
“A sundae? For breakfast?!”

Leaning over onto the pool table,
Breaking the triangle, potting, re-setting.
Flies on the wall to a table-tennis game,
Rotating doubles partners and conversations.
Some ugly laughs, some ghastly skills.
Two weeks to bond.
Sinking hoops while freeing hopes and intense conversations.
Talents, aims, insecurities, dreams
Rising between bunks
Like cicadas cliquing into the humid nights.

Our jokes forced time by too fast.
Two weeks turned into one,
One turned to evening
Then flashed to morning:
Desperate hugs and wavering smiles
Disappearing through border control
And sour clouds.

I sit here now, miles away and ahead,
Of some friends, made some weeks ago.
The invisible cell signal holding us together –
– somewhat​

It was just some camp,
Some good people.
Some real friends.