WIDE SKY 2006 CAMPOUT

Full of spirit, spirits fed,
Lifted spirits, Spirit led;
A glorious August weekend at 7400 feet
19 men & 2 boys, spanning 6 decades – meet.
There is diversity & yet there is unity …and-
There is indi-fuckin-viduality!

Men set intention, men gather
One man travels two thousand miles to see his brothers;
Another man needs a ride, four men offer, he is taken care of.
One man arrives knotted up in rage, another seeking hope.
Men cooperate and co-create a place to truly connect,
Men lay down their weapons and armored rust,
Men step into a solid container and trust.

Men join in community & allow hearts to open and be touched
Men bucket their grief and speak their shame,
Men in mission, men waking up, never to be the same.
Men read poetry, make music & sing out,
Men share their gold without apology, despite doubt.
Men rest & sit quiet beneath the trees, men cook together, share food & jokes.
Men laugh, men cry, men feast & fart,
Men play, men paint & create works of art.

Men hike, explore & swim together and gaze up at the stars,
Men drop their masks and bravely reveal their scars.
Men listen, judgment finds no toehold.
Men do their night work & heal,
Men hug sincerely, men get real.
Men risk, men face their fears,
Men share the wisdom of their years.
Men bless men & magically inspire,
Men drum & dance around a blazing fire.
Men celebrate the boys inside and playfully enjoy,
Men celebrate the man emerging from each boy.
Men protect the camp from intruders,
Men notice what it feels like to have the safety of boundaries.
Men support men, to the occasion rise,
Men step up & lovingly respond to chili burned eyes.
Men lead then follow, men care,
Men follow then lead, men dare.

Men pack up their gear & linger, but clock time cannot be halted,
No regrets, for Kairos has been well exalted.
Knots of rage have been untied, serenity prevails,
One man stays after the camp empties and stillness hails;
To sweet birdsong melodies & wind singing through the trees:
These words are penned as gratitude keeps growing,
From a heart deeply stirred & overflowing~!

- Steve McCord