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Lucky Boy
by
Steven Givler


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My son's stocking feet sun themselves on the dashboard
Our truck is pointed toward the campground
The radio weatherman says rain, and lots of it
But you wouldn't guess it from the bluebird sky

We talk of nothing and everything
Four hours of driving yields a lifetime of conversation
He tells me what he wants to be and asks my advice

Three days of freezing rain We walk, eat, sleep, cold water and gray skies
He comes back from the creek (frog in hand) to find me packing
"Daddy, can't we stay another day?"

Driving home now He asleep beside me, feet having returned to their dashboard perch
I stop for gas
The man beside me eyes the truck, our gear, my dirty clothes
"Been camping?"
I nod
"It's a lucky boy whose father takes him camping"
I smile

But later, driving toward the sunset
Listening to him
Watching him from the corner of my eye
I think of how he's changed my life

And know I am the lucky one

© Steven Givler 2009.
Used here with the author's permission.

 


Steven Givler is an artist, writer, and language specialist. He lives in Germany and Italy, and he has also made his home in Greece, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal. Steven's book for children, The Ravens Build the Softest Nest, illustrated with his own watercolor paintings, is awaiting publication, and two of his short stories appear in the anthology, Operation Homecoming, from Random House. Learn more about Steven and see his paintings at www.stevengivler.com.


Post New Comment:
Lori Levy:
Beautiful.
Posted 10/07/2024 01:37 PM
EstherJ:
How sweet!
Posted 10/07/2024 10:17 AM
Darrell Arnold:
I was one of those blessed children whose father took him camping, and camping, and camping. He was a man of the outdoors and he blessed all of his kids with many opportunities to adventure with and talk to their father. What a priceless, life-shaping gift that was! I ache for those children who never know those experiences.
Posted 10/07/2024 08:34 AM
Latha:
Wow! What a beautiful poem! It made me smile with a a little wetness in my eyes!
Posted 10/08/2014 12:21 AM
dotief@comcast.net:
Wonderful poem!
Posted 10/07/2014 01:37 PM
tannerlynne:
great poem. it makes me smile
Posted 10/07/2014 11:05 AM
Cindy:
love those details
Posted 10/07/2014 09:04 AM
erinsnana:
I love this poem! My late husband and our oldest son drove a truck from Boston to Washington DC when he was going away to college. I imagine they had those conversations too.
Posted 10/07/2014 08:36 AM
jonidee61:
Love this!
Posted 10/06/2014 11:46 PM


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