Fishing Frenzy Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

Three fishermen set out on Lake Erie
It was a joyful day… the sun was shining
Perfect weather…the group was cherry
Fish were biting… promising fine dining

The cumulus clouds thinned and grayed
As the stack of silver-scaled trophies grew
All at once waves erupted and sprayed…
Tossing about the boat and worried crew

Hastily dropping their fishing poles
Holding to the sides…trying to stabilize
Before they could pray for their souls
The battered boat gasped and capsized

The brave trio was seasoned with age
They had endured many years before
Nothing compared with this storm’s rage
Or attempting to stay alive as the rain poured

Clinging to the boat’s belly…none had drown
They held tight …determined to stay on top
Hours passed…the wind calmed down
The rain drizzled…then it came to a stop

Darkness surrounded the stranded men
The distant shoreline was far from view
Wondering if they‘d see their families again
Somehow they must be found, but by who?

Back home their failed return prompted concern
Morning light set rescue boats and planes in motion
Optimism for detection encouraged every turn
Gas tanks drained… hearts were filled with emotion

At day’s end no evidence of life was found
Meanwhile the bobbing men continued to hope
At home families refused to believe all had drowned
Although it was becoming more difficult to cope

The second day of searching soon revealed something
It was the weary crew …they had reason to rejoice
Anguish vanished… replaced by the elation of existing
Thankful tears flowed and words of praise were voiced

It will be a while before the casting line again entices
Fishing from the pier just might suffice…