Far away from the clamors,
there lies, my treasured solace...
Where nature is still untouched,
and I visit, for a change of pace.

Carrying a camping bag,
I hike the jungle trails,
towards my favorite spot,
set camp, have my lonely rest.
A cool breeze brushes my cheeks,
as the sky rumbles, at a distant place,
moisture fills the atmosphere,
warning an impeding downpour.

So, I sprint, reaching tent site,
a flat grassland, buffered from wind,
holding my flashlight, as night descends,
wearing raincoat, set the camp tight.
And I assemble poles, letting it seed,
matching them on body and footprint,
attaching the tent body to the poles,
laying out the rain fly...on the top.

Once everything set, I felt the relief,
as raindrops falls, on my skin,
so I lie down, under tent's cover,
listening a lullaby of pitter-patter.
Moments passed, I slowly drifted,
in the nature's magical ambience,
coming to sense, as stomach growls,
taking out, my cooking utensils.

Boiling water, making the tea,
to complement, my special Maggi,
a little opening, I welcomed the breeze,
yet, received dry leaves with the drizzle.
A whiff of fragrance, scent of damp earth,
I was immersed in the wilderness perfume,
as the wind whispers, through the silhouettes,
of the rustling leaves, and swaying branches.

Alone, yet strangely I felt connected,
with the soul of earth, and the universe,
for, under the starry sky, I witnessed,
the wisdom of this hidden quest...
In my solo camping haven.

© Dr. Manish Rout