Empty Net

My balsa wood float rides ripple and wave
My bait unappealing today
Fingers frostbitten but I shall be brave
As I try to catch something to weigh

The cormorant seems to be doing okay
The seagull is eating his fill
The otters aren’t gonna go hungry today
And the pike is awaiting a kill

The Kingfisher fishes alone and aloof
The heron jabs quick as a spear
This riverside haven, I’ve fished since my youth
I still bring a truck load of gear
But ponder this truth under my canvas roof
There used to be far more fish here

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

Constance La France

Date: 3/2/2021 3:12:00 PM

Terry, congratulations on your win in Carolyn's contest with this excellent poem _Constance

Terry Flood
Date: 3/2/2021 3:49:00 PM

Thank you Constance. I’d had a couple of days of almost complete brain freeze. Then this kinda just happened. Terry

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 3/1/2021 11:36:00 AM

Florida takes steps to protect its fish population, but more is to be learned. When red snapper season started, I caught two filled with eggs that could have helped replenish the species. I could really relate to this awesome poem, Terry. Congratulations on a second place in the contest! Best wishes, Carolyn

Terry Flood
Date: 3/2/2021 1:42:00 AM

Thank you Carolyn. I suspect that the fishermen of Florida would wonder what frost bitten fingers are. Actually they’re commonplace in the UK... usually between January and December.... brrrrrr.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 2/28/2021 11:03:00 AM

Sounds like the one that got away Terry, makes you wonder if it's pollution or over fishing. Hope you're weekend is going well. Tom

Terry Flood
Date: 2/28/2021 11:37:00 AM

Or just another fisherman’s excuse? Have a good evening, Tom. Terry

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 2/28/2021 6:59:00 AM

I really like this piece. I feel that sadness. I see far fewer of all of those birds on the waterways near me, and frogs no longer sing. Excellent poem, going into my faves. xomo

Terry Flood
Date: 2/28/2021 10:57:00 AM

Thanks Maureen. so glad you enjoyed. Terry