Fall Run Poem by David Abrahams

Fall Run

That Slick Flash
Fish Splash
- WHIZZZ-

Rod bent -
No accident -
Spoon flutter right
to catch the light
- BITE -

Two lives on the line.
On this end, mine:
Life lust -
Clean air -
Damp dirt -
Clear water -
Campfire
smolders on the bank.
I thank Mother Earth for a Fishing Father.

On that end, muscled fear
turned current broadside and
PULL, Pull, pull
against the pole.

Line taught -
Sweet spot hooked.
He'll be booked soon
if I keep him off the rocks.

Head in now
the line still sings,
but no more runs
remain.

Resigned to end the line of progeny
this strong salmon shudders -
sighs -
slips into the net.

I,
The Victor, trembling,
Kneel,
release the barbs -
slide the disbelieving fish
into the stream.

With two tail flips he's gone.
His destination his demise.

Carry on fine friend.
I'll fight your sons again.

dsa FEB'11