Roasting Marshmallows

by John Thompson and Garry Gay

First published in Hammerhorn Lake (Foster City, California: Press Here, 1995) by Garry Gay, John Thompson, and Michael Dylan Welch. Written 3–4 September 1994 on a camping trip at Hammerhorn Lake, California.

roasting marshmallows

as the center softens

my mouth waters John

from the wood pile

an occasional chirp Garry

hearing voices

as I swing the axe—

wind in the trees John

night walk

to the lake shore . . .

shooting star Garry

in the neighboring camp

a belching contest John

campfire song

fades back

into crickets Garry