FIRST SUMMER ON STAFF
by
Jeff Mallet |
Morning salutations of a bell’s tintinnabulations greets me joyously from slumber
I awake refreshed and vow my best to meet the day with all that it encumbers |
Soaking in the moor, I peer out the door and look upon thy abundant graces
And I’m compelled once more, as I have been before, to willingly embrace it |
As I walk thy roads and through thy pine groves, I see the fauna merrily scamper
But I see most importantly a youthful reflection of when I was a camper |
Despite change, thy appearance remains and I’m filled, thrilled with childish joys
Memories enchant me and my mind grants me passage back as a blissful young boy |
Squanto, my childhood reawaken |
I have always ridden and never driven thy obscured forest roads until today
Shall I be lost, I fear, for it has been years since I have passed through this way |
I ponder, “Am I too late too cross through thy stone gates, so far from my home?”
But you beseeched me to openly entreat thee and I no longer felt alone |
In the warm embrace of each smiling face a family was forged then
I knew right away that from that day we were no longer staff, but friends |
Squanto, our fellowships ne’er forsaken |
The end of the year grows ever so near yet I see no frets nor frowning
Parting words are said, but no tears are shed for thou art always around me |
Memories may be forgotten and new friendships begotten but my heart will never leave thee
No person nor place could every replace the impact you make, believe me |
And I know that is was always shown in thy staff’s attitude toward thee
But on behalf of thy family of staff I express our loving gratitude for thee |
Squanto, thy eternal spirit unshaken |