Sleep-Away

I never slept away from home

At either camp or school.

Where I grew up, we stayed close by

Our families, as a rule.

 

My son attended college, though,

Residing in a dorm

A good six hours’ drive away,

Which was within the norm.

 

My grandkids travel to their camps

And sleep, with friends, in bunks,

Their clothes and all necessities

In duffel bags or trunks.

 

For weeks, they do activities

With parents out of range

And even at the youngest age,

Nobody finds it strange.

 

I guess when college rolls around,

They’ll know what to expect,

Since being on your own must have

A powerful effect.

 

I liked my local schools and camps

So when I reminisced,

I rarely though about that whole

Experience I missed.