observations of a grateful camper

I.

a thousand egrets

mirrored in a tranquil pond

on this

lazy sunday morning.

II.

empty campground

save my small tent,

and 

the cicada serenade.

III.

a belted kingfisher

holds treetop sentry

in this bend of the river.

i watch from the shore below.

IV.

little star

sits silently

framed by shadowed branches.

the night has

ensnared you.

precious jewel

at the door of my tent.

V.

summer olympics are being held

here in the park.

squirrels compete

in the treetops

for gymnastics gold.

VI.

i love crows

and their noble caws!

VII.

big river,

yellow kayak,

nirvana.

VIII.

ants sip water from the rivers of
my plastic tablecloth.

the one with the fish motif.

IX.

yes,
i admit to that moment of fear

when i thought i was lost.

X.

the collection of rocks

from this morning's hike
bulges in my pocket.

one sparkles.

another has a rusty eye.

my favorite;
 the face

that looks at me accusingly.

XI.

dinner and dishes done.

just before the rain.

XII.

night bug

falls from the sky

and lands before me.

XIII.

will the squirrel overhead

toss acorns at me

like a tropical mokey?

XIV.

night approaches.

think i'll read inside my tent.