Compost by Andrew Douglas

Image Source: Canva

I’ve grown to embrace the putrid smell
of campground composting toilets
Sometimes, I even miss it…
It’s a positive association that’s developed throughout my life

– The mountain of shit composed of innumerable contributions,
   each with a unique chemistry –

That smell
 reminds me that I’m camping,
               which reminds me that I’m outside
               which reminds me that I’m alive
               which reminds me that this is finite

and wondrous
and ineffable
and potentially,
 inescapable

It’s easy to forget that camping has only recently become
 a peculiar pastime
The very word would have had no basis for distinction
  a mere evolutionary blink ago

So once in a while, do your inner Australopithecine a favor

And once in a while,
 of those onces in whiles

               don’t get too drunk
        and don’t look at your phone

               Just sit by the fire
               swim in the lake
               stare at the stars
               write a little poem

And think about the people you love

-ANDREW DOUGLAS

Andrew is a Canadian musician, poet, and freelance writer. He currently writes for Heliconia (PaddleTV/BackpackingTV), as well as WorldAtlas. Commonly explored themes in his poetry include nature, spirituality, and the quirks of existence. Read more of his work at Middleside.

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