Slimy Fish Day Poem by John W. McEwers

It's so calming out on the water.
Small waves bumping up against the sides
Rocking, gently rocking,
Sleepy motions in a lake.

Fishing pole nestled neatly
In a crevice in the side
Baited with a dead worm
That I found inside the boat

When abruptly I am shaken
A nasty nibble at my line
A battle of muscle on muscle
Man versus edible beast

With one great heave she is in my boat
Flopping desperately, too dry
Gasping from its side lungs
Doing anything for a drink

I went to pull it from the hook
Yanked lips out with the line
But then I tripped over the fish and fell out of the boat
I think I stepped on it though.