Boy Scout and First Camp Out

>>> 'Cook NOT,' Too Close to the Fire, nor, Too far Away <<<

Boy Scout and First Camp Out
By Arley Steinhour 022117

When I turned Eleven, I Graduated,
From 'Cub,' to 'Boy' Scout, Elevated,
No more, Paper Planes, or Cake,
On to the 'Big Time, to Cook and Bake.

Came Spring, and my first 'Over-Nighter,'
My 'Army' Backpack, a Wilderness Fighter,
With, tent, sleeping-bag, plus, Food,
Mess-kit, Knife, and Axe, 'all was Good.'

Grandma had wrapped a 'Whole Chicken,'
So camp-fire would be my Kitchen,
Yet, one thing, for sure, was amiss,
I hadn't learned, the way of 'Mess.'

Most, had hot-dogs, on stick, looked good,
My, chicken on a 'stick,' laid on burning wood;
Chicken turned black, from all the ashes,
Flame almost gone, except 'flaming stick.'

Into the woods, dashing for kindling,
Before fire went out, leaving me dangling,
So, with long story, short, I decided to eat,
Outside, ashy, and inside, Raw Meat.

Raw Chicken, don't taste like 'Grandmas Cooking,'
After, few bites eaten, the rest was awful looking,
Scout master, just smiled, with a knowing look,
To show, 'he'd been there;' and, 'I need learn to Cook.'

Next day, took me aside, for a bit of his breakfast,
He taught, need to Learn, and, when in need, to 'Ask,'
'If we all knew the way, we wouldn't need a Leader,'
Like, a plant, growing itself, not needing a 'Seeder.'

That, small experience, taught a Very Big Lesson,
'We can't find the Right Answers, without Confession,'
From that day, and beyond, I keep my 'Leader Near,'
Jesus, His Name, 'With Answers, Held Dear.'

AMEN