Ode To John Poem by James Casey

Ode To John

You can have your fancy restaurants
Nightclubs and downtown haunts
He'd rather find a place to camp
If it's not too cold and damp

He'd rather scorch a can of beans
Than get a meal by other means
Just get the coals red and hot
He'll cook whatever he's got

He'd rather view a starlit sky
With shoreline lights gliding by
Then gaze upon the city lights
And all the other urban sights

No shiny shoes, no stylish suits
He's quite content in his canoe
No motor for the stream or lakes
Some paddle strokes is all it takes

A tugging fish upon his hook
Explaining it would take a book
Such fun does seem a crime
Until you try it just one time

And when his days work is done at last
They'll be no midnight party blast
He'll simply head off quite content
To sleeping bag or cozy tent

No modern tunes to help him sleep
Tranquility in camp he'll keep
Better to hear the hoot or howl
The serenade of a loon or owl

The city life may be right for you
He'll take a camper with a view
Keep your noisy city streets
Broadway show and front row seats

He'll take the simple life complete
Sometimes even wet and smelly feet
At camp he'll brave the dirt and bugs
Haul firewood and water jugs

You think camping's not ideal
Still not convinced of it's appeal
Poke fun at him if you wish
John's content to just
FISH FISH FISH

Jim 2008