I wish they had bells here. As I leave my boxy bedroom at Ghost Ranch , an hour above Santa Fe, among the brown on yellow splashed with green mountains of New Mexico, I see others from the writers’ conference making their way singly and in pairs to the dining room. Our watches and clocks have told us it is time to come. No one is calling us. I wish they had bells here.

At family camp on Cass Lake we have bells. One bell mostly, but one big bell with a voice to be heard across all the camps acres, with a few peals left for part of the lake. This bell is usually rung by children. The dining hall door burst open and children run for the thick and fraying rope. The designated bell ringer pulls and tugs until the ancient bell begins to sway and call: "we are here, we are waiting, it is time, please come."

That is the first ring, and usually that is enough. But sometimes it is not enough. People have gone too far, or become too occupied, their families too involving to hear that first call. So ten minutes later a second call is sent, not from a child this time but from an adult. Preferably an adult with biceps. Certainly an adult with a temper.

The bell rocks on its mountings. Shakes and storms: "Where are you! We cannot start without you! We said eight o clock! So where are you? And one last clamorous double downstroke: "Where the heck are you?"

The bell ringer turns away with savage satisfaction and the bell still rocking in its cradle, almost on its own, silvers out three last fading chimes:

"For you are wanted,

for you are needed,

for you are loved."

I wish they would call me to breakfast at Ghost Ranch. I wish they had bells here.

The author of this essay is John Cowan. He has written two books of similar essays: Small Decencies and The Common Table Each is approximately 160 pages in paperback. To purchase either book by mail send a check for $10 per book to him at 1498 Goodrich, St. Paul, MN 55105. Price will be negotiated for any order over 20 books. If you wish to discuss consulting or speaking engagements or attendance at a workshop he may be reached by e-mail. His address is Johnedie@aol.com

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