Poem: The Shop in the Forest

The Shop in the Forest

There was a shop near the town of Slade that sold,
Ice cream and rock-climbing gear.
A curious mix, some might think,
But it was a favorite of the climbing pioneers.

They came from near and far to scale,
The rugged sandstone walls of Red River Gorge.
And after a day of thrill and risk,
They needed a cool and creamy treat to splurge.

The shop was owned by Miguel who shared,
A passion for nature, peace, and living free.
He greeted the climbers with warmth and care,
And offered them his unique hospitality.

But ice cream was not enough to keep,
The shop afloat and to pay the bills.
So they decided to add something else,
That would suit their customers' fill.

He began to bake pizza from scratch,
With dough and sauce and cheese galore.
And soon the shop was famous for having,
The best pizza in the state or more.

The climbers adored the pizza too,
And often bought multiple pies.
They paired it with their ice cream scoops,
And sat on the porch enjoying the sky.

The shop became a haven for them,
A place to chill and have some fun.
To swap their stories and advice,
And to dream of their next run.

The shop was more than just a shop,
It was a community and a home.
A slice of paradise on earth for them,
A place where they felt known.

-Melissa Kavanaugh Zapanta