Fishing

Hooks and lures and fishing line, an eight foot throwing net
The sea is calm, the weather fine, there’s challenge to be met
Bait fish schools along the rocks dart frantically away
mesh descends on heavy weights to trap unwary prey

A baited hook is set and cast, the line is brought in taut
time like water trickles past, the battle still un-fought
The sun beats down on golden sand, the waves lap at the shore
the rod is passed from hand to hand as shoulders become sore

Nibblers tease and rip the bait but miss the gleaming hook
larger fish show here and there but only seem to look
Then all at once the sea explodes with one almighty flash
a heavy pull and line reels off, a headlong racing dash

Leaping twisting running deep the line pays off the reel
excitement builds and tension mounts, the fish’s fate is sealed
Pumping rod and straining arms bring colour to the top
but once again the fish will run, it seems to never stop

An hour or more of reeling in, the fish begins to tire
arms and neck and shoulders burn and feel like they’re on fire
The battle nearly over now the fish comes closer in
at last you have it in your hand, how sweet it is to win

Looking down at shining scales of silver black and blue
the streamlined body glistens with the light of every hue
with mouth agape and staring eyes the fish begins to gasp
the hook is pulled, the fish reacts, falling from your grasp

Back into the sea once more, it slowly swims away
maybe to get hooked again and fight another day
A flick of tail and flash of scale it vanishes from sight
You long to hook it up again and recommence the fight.


From my PDF book "Bush Ballads and Bulldust"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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

Rushing Avatar
December 1, 2018 at 7:10 PM
This poem is making me long for summer days standing waist deep in the surf waiting for speckled trout to hit my lure. Thank you for the reminder my friend and good fishing.
Glasby Avatar
December 30, 2018 at 7:26 AM
High summer here and fishing is on the agenda. It took me a long time to find out where the reply link was so my apologies for taking so long to respond.
Laurie Avatar
December 1, 2018 at 6:13 PM
G'day Marc … a real pleasure to read good Australian yarns that are so well metered and rhymed. As for the topic, we all own the biggest fish we've ever hooked has got away, often told in a school at the pub - thank you Marc - Lindsay
Glasby Avatar
December 30, 2018 at 7:26 AM
Thanks for your comment. It took me a long time to find out where the reply link was so my apologies for taking so long to respond.
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