An Old Man Fishing

I watched the old man mosey to his favorite fishing spot.
Ahead of him his faithful dog capered at a lively trot.
No fancy fishing lures for him, just a simple bamboo pole,
And a can of worms as content he seemed in heart and soul!

Settling in the welcome shade of a spreading oak,
He lit his pipe for a pleasurable afternoon smoke.
His old dog lay contentedly at the old man's feet.
What a life!  How could it be any more complete!

At fishing the old fellow was extremely deft.
Why, he was pulling them in right and left!
With all the expensive lures that I had at hand,
Not one consarned fish did I ever land!

As the sun waned he lay back and took off his shoes,
To savor his usual afternoon snooze.
Imagine my dismay as his bobber danced about!
(Why can't I reel in some of those wily trout?)

As the sun settled in the west he called it a day.
(Alas, I still hadn't had a nibble, I must say!)
He waved asking, "How's your fishin' luck been?"
"Not a bite" I replied, much to my chagrin!

Placed No. 1 in Paula Swanson's "The Allure Of A Lure Is Alluring" Contest - Apr 2012
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Laurie Avatar
February 21, 2015 at 1:33 AM
G'day Robert... You virtually wrote my book 'Lindsay Laurie's fishing yarns' - and I'm not the old man. Enjoyed this poem Robert. Lindsay
Bombardieri Avatar
April 5, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Top of the pack, Robert! Well deserved win! CONGRATS:)
Prabhu Avatar
April 5, 2012 at 7:33 AM
Robert,.....simply superb.......congrats on the top placement in the contest!!!!!!!!!!!!!~sashi
Salama  Avatar
April 5, 2012 at 6:47 AM
Congratulations Robert! I pictured it all as it was happening! :)
Brown Avatar
April 5, 2012 at 5:58 AM
A belated congratulations to you for your win in Paula's "Allure" contest Bob. Love, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
April 4, 2012 at 11:52 PM
Awesome win, Robert. BIG congratulations on this well written poem on a "lure"
Dailey Avatar
April 4, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Well done Bob. I was never much of a fisherman but if I could have a day like your fisherman, I might take it up. Mike
Grisetti Avatar
April 4, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Congratulations on your first. Wonderful poem, it reminds of fishing with my grandfather 50+ years ago.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
April 4, 2012 at 12:40 AM
Congrtulations Bob, brings back memories of fishing with my brother I had the stick and pin, he had the kit, i caught the fish...xx
Dufresne Avatar
March 9, 2012 at 5:59 PM
Oh yeah, Rob... been there done that... I think they have a kinship with nemo or something! Well written experience and i felt your pain.... no really! I have felt your pain! haha
Bauer Avatar
March 9, 2012 at 5:50 PM
this is charming! i love the rhyming of "been" and "chagrin." best of luck in the contest!
Horne Avatar
March 9, 2012 at 3:52 PM
LOL, a surefire winner here, Bob. Hope you both have a great weekend and that Vera is doing well on her treatment
Andresen Avatar
March 9, 2012 at 2:54 PM
Yes a complete life he have . . . . lovely....- thank you for this poem today Bob. - Hope for "a bite" in contest for you. - oxox love Anne-Lise
Maverick Avatar
March 9, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Oh and i hope you do well in the contest..)
Maverick Avatar
March 9, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Was your face "a lurid shade" despite the tree's shade Bob.? ha ha..) enjoyed the flail of this fishermans tale today..!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace