He was their hero when they were young,

teaching of nature beneath the big golden sun.

They tried on their packs before feet hit the trail.

He’d say, “Be prepared or else you could fail.”

The trio trekked down paths and up inclines, too,

pausing along the way to admire a flower or two.

After arriving in camp, they helped pitch the tent,

stakes in the ground, windows unzipped to vent.

As an Arborist, he educated them about trees

under the blue sky beside the buzzing honeybees.

He pointed out poison oak, a beautiful, green leaf,

“But if you touch, you’ll need itching relief!”

They explored the ground seeking burrowing bugs.

He expressed praise with words and loving hugs.

When the sun faded at the end of a day,

they roasted marshmallows, found dominoes to play.

His first goal was fun in nature, then came self-reliance.

Their minds were like sponges, soaking up the science.

Now they reminisce for the best teacher he was

and recall the bonding with the deepest of love.

Now he’s proud of them, adulting and doing it well,

honored with the memories, the special stories to tell.

© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.