‘Tis the Season: The Night Before Grand Canyon

‘Twas the night before our vacation and all through the house
Everyone was busily packing, most especially my spouse.

Our bags were lumped by the front door without care.
Everyone was rushing as our taxi soon would be there.

We took out our packing list and checked it twice.
I was sure we were forgetting something, so I checked it thrice.

Then from outside the taxi driver honked his horn.
We rushed down the stairs, and I realized my pants were torn.

But no time to worry about it now, we had a plane to catch.
So we ran outside and I slammed the door, locking the latch.

On the way to the airport our kids were all a chatter.
They were excited, and that’s all that mattered.

We arrived at the airport just in the nick of time.
We checked in our bags as the hour made its first chime.

We arrived at our hotel, and the accommodations were great!
My husband was starving, so we went into town and ate.

The next morning in the lobby there was such a fuss;
Our host counting each one of us as we boarded the bus.

The plane waiting for us was small, and I felt a lump in my chest.
This was going to be a bumpy ride, turbulent at best.

We made it to the tiny airport, not the worse for wear.
And when we stepped off the plane, two cowboys were there.

They drove us to their ranch down a bumpy dirt drive.
The driver told us not to worry, it was a short ride.

We met the rest of the ranchers with a good old fashioned “Howdy!”
And we slept in a covered wagon that night like an old western movie.

The next morning the helicopter ride in was smooth, one of the best,
But I wasn’t to be fooled, and pulled the seatbelt over my chest.

Then from beside me one of the kids made a shout.
So I looked out my window (though I feared I’d fall out).

I could not believe my eyes at the sight I was seeing.
The canyon was all around us, and the Colorado River was gleaming.

We met our guides with a smile and great cheer.
Everyone on the beach was excited, not one glimmer of fear.

We put on our life jackets, at laughed at our get-up.
The kids couldn’t wait for their first hike and a chance to schlup.

As we glided down river, the motor a quiet hum,
We rounded our first bend, and I almost swallowed my gum.

The rapid loomed ahead and I held on for dear life!
My kids sat in the front, taking the water as cold as ice.

As we plunged and rose and plunged again,
I laughed in spite of myself, and wanted to do it over again!

In camp we shared stories and talked about our day.
The stars overhead glowed more brightly than a June bug in May.

As we settled into our cots, and my husband started to snore,
I breathed in deep, than again once more

“A once in a lifetime experience”, that was it for sure!
The canyon was like nothing I’d ever known before.

And when we returned home tomorrow, and snuggled into our beds,
I knew I’d miss this place, and tears would be shed.

For no where else, I knew, would I ever see such a wonder,
As the Grand Canyon and the river, in the middle of the summer.

By Vanessa Therrien