she wanted to go camping

she wanted to go camping.
I didn't.
she wanted to hike along
the mountain trail
and make camp beside a stream.
fish,
gather rocks and sticks
to build a fire.
she wanted
to bathe in the cold water,
study the birds.
listen to the wolves,
the crickets.
the sound of nothing but
wind
circling the tops of trees.
she wanted to sleep on the ground,
be one with nature.
I didn't.
I suggested the holiday
inn, right down the road,
with room service and a bar.
so we never went.
she went with her next boyfriend.
he was wearing
a red plaid shirt
when i saw them together.
they both had on
their back packs and boots.
they were studying a map
marking their path.
this made me happy,
seeing her happy.