A Poem about College Life and Bonding

This is a poem I wrote about a "college house" experience of mine.  I lived for four years in a "Christian-style" fraternity in Eugene, Oregon, with guys around my age, and this is a poem about the "start of the year" retreat.  Needless to say, I have good memories of that time, looking back.  And certain friendships and conviviality have remained as I have reconnected and stayed in touch with some of them.

We Catch a Glimpse of the Call from the Giver

Riding through the hills in Bryan's red SUV,
Radio playing while forests of fir and clear-cut slopes glide past our window,

Gas and ice cream stop now far behind us,
On our way to the annual house retreat.

This passageway to the ocean,
Where Lumberman's Restaurant and glittering gray river reflect sun breaking through cloudy skies.
We watch the landscape like settlers looking for a place to stay the night.

At the beach, after wearing ourselves out playing football and ultimate Frisbee,
we share life and scar stories on the weathered deck, all the while surrounded by coastal pines, s'mores and crackling fire pit.

On the way back, all are refreshed and enthused, excited for the new term,
Ready to dive into activities and school work.   

We listen for the Call: "This time is a gift:
 The give and take, the late-night discussions, the discovery, the grief resolved . .
So work the plot you've been given:
Cultivate this time with discipline and grace."