Fishing Poem by Jim Yerman

Our grandson wanted to learn about fishing…so on a sunny day in July
with a pole he found in the back of a closet we thought we'd give it a try.

With shrimp for bait and his dad, his Nana and me to cheer
we drove down to our marina and walked out on the pier.

We baited his hook, he cast it out…and with the ocean breeze acting like a fan
he was poised to catch his fish…but the fish had other plans.

They must have known he was a rookie…they certainly knew the routine
because they kept feasting on the shrimp and his hook kept coming back clean.

Eventually, with a little luck, he was able to land his fish!
We all cheered and took his picture at the fulfilling of his wish.

As we basked in his wonderful moment…and to the water the fish returned
I thought of all the lessons, from fishing, that can be learned…

Like how if you want to reach a target…
accomplish a goal you have set
sometimes you're going to get your hands dirty
sometimes you're going to get a little wet.

Like how you might realize along the way
you're not as smart as all the fishes…
But if you prepare yourself and have the patience
you can still fulfill your wishes.

Like how you won't win every battle
but never to feel dejected or distressed
because when you do win,
when you catch that fish
you will relish in your success.

Finally, and perhaps most important, when your surrounded by family
you learn how wonderful, how awesome…how beautiful life can be.

How any moment with family can be inspiring and exciting
Like standing together on a pier
even when the fish aren't biting.