A Catch Poem by Gregory Powell

worm wiggles impaled as hook
flies on line over river.
lands in bursting droplets. bobber rises
dances on surface in synch
to rhythm of undulating river waves.
river song. cricket calls.bird chatter.
breeze like woodwinds swaying
audience of leaves to applause.
waters flowing through ancient
glacial earth scars. bottom-soil whispers.
suddenly, liquid aurora borealis splashes
in soft cacophony. largemouth hits bait.
rainbow of river-dancing insects skitter.
snake meanders in waves to attempt steal.
line stretches taut rod bends hook is set.
fight and flight of prey scatters scuttle bugs
to frenzy. I jerk rod against meal's futile fight
to escape destiny of hot popping oil.
reel in catch. largemouth predator
thrashes on muddy bank. drowns
in crisp dry air.