Mrs Manhattan Goes Forth With Intent

In an envelope crammed in the back of a drawer that was seldom opened,
Amidst the old shopping lists, knitting patterns for ancient cardigans,
And important documents in faded inks,
Mrs. Manhattan found some photographs.

Through brimming eyes she dove into a glistening pool of memories.
Bright Arcadian summers spent with sepia toned friends,
A Girl Guides camping trip on the Downs in August.
Her first adult holiday with her first husband, God rest his soul.

Spent on a rainy weekend next to Lake Windermere.
A time of excitement and damp intimacy. Two sleeping bags zipped together
Perhaps inevitably leading to their fledgling family happily under canvas at Black Rock Sands.
Listening to Fourth of July fireworks that scared a young daughter so badly
She screamed for an hour. Why were they celebrating American Independence in Wales?

So many recollections, bitter-sweetened by time, stir in Mrs. Manhattan a desire to
Pitch tent, just one more time, before she dies. Resolutely she plans with military
Precision. Cancels papers and milk. Asks neighbour to feed the cat.
Gets her son-in-law to dig the tent out of the loft. Smell of faded canvas exhales

The breath of years long passed. Black lacquered poles with the suggestion of rust.
Wooden pegs, brown with the dried earth of former excursions. Books site, taxi and
Train. Packs bag, Kendall's Mint Cake. Sandwiches. Spam. Flask.
Gas off, door locked. Determined to camp. Mrs. Manhattan Goes Forth With Intent.

Mrs. Manhattan Eats American  (E) 'Only name, rank and calorific value' #2328376 by Adherennium Dr of Ghoulishness