Hook, Line, and Sinker

I strolled along the riverfront about two months ago,
when the morning sun was rising with a hazy lemon glow.
Pelicans were yawning while the wood ducks spread their wings,
and a coot had made its presence near the reed warbler that sings.

The autumn chill was leaving and the dew fell off the leaves.
Swallows chase the morning creatures now they’ve left their bedroom eaves. 
There’s a bustle over Chaffey Bridge toward the city that awakes,  
but my attention was diverted to the ornamental lakes.   

It was not the water lilies with their pretty range of flowers,
but a young boy dressed in rags who quietly sits and cowers
behind a stick with tied on string that represents a fishing line,
but for decent fish the Murray holds, I’m sure his hope’s benign.

I felt sorry for this ragged lad who fished the lilies in the lake,
and I just couldn’t tell him that he’d sourced a big mistake,
so I said “Come with me young fella (but not fishing here’s a joke)
I’ll take you to McDonalds, and shout a burger, chips and coke”.   

The lad hid his stick behind a tree and followed me down to the mall,
and he sat down at the table that was close against the wall,
I placed his order then returned to sit and yarn with him a while,
and we talked about his fishing and his quite unusual style. 

The burger came and too the chips and then his can of coke,
I watched him hog into his food before once more I spoke.
I asked how many had he caught and while munching he did say,  
“The Ornamental Lakes are great! - ‘Cause you’re the third today!”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021


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Date: 6/18/2021 7:44:00 PM
That was a surprising ending! Little con artist!! I saw a boy back 45 years ago or so, poor little beggar with a cane and a limp. I was in such sorrow for him as a young teen and told my big sister we must help him. Then his mom drove up to pick him up, he lost the limp, grabbed up his cane and RAN to her car and jumped in. I never forgot that, though I worry where he may be today! Hopefully in Hollywood! He was quite an amazing little actor.
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 6/20/2021 11:18:00 PM
Hello BJ ... I really do enjoy reading comments of readers own experience similar to the poem. I must say I chuckled when reading yours BJ - Lindsay
Date: 4/29/2021 9:53:00 AM
Liked your little tale and that was one smart lad to catch his 3rd meal of the day. Enjoyed. love phyl
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 5/6/2021 7:11:00 PM
Hello Phyllis ... some kids have got a future ahead of them that may not please everyone when an adult - thanks again Phyllis - Lindsay
Date: 4/25/2021 6:14:00 AM
I enjoyed your story Lindsay and surprise ending too . Well done :)
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 5:28:00 PM
Hello Heidi ... I'm pleased you enjoyed this little tale, so thank you for commenting - Lindsay
Date: 4/25/2021 1:10:00 AM
Your wonderful unique style once again shines Lindsay my friend. Keep these beauties coming, poetry soup would never be the same without your poems which always make us laugh, not only are they humorous but always clever. An your are always kind, good thing you did for the youngster. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 5:27:00 PM
Hello Jennifer ... I will keep attempting to put up this style of poems Jennifer. It's great to be communicating with a like mind story teller as yourself. I think we need more to laugh about these days - thank you Jennifer - Lindsay
Date: 4/22/2021 2:21:00 PM
Should’ve at least got him filet of fish. Clever and witty piece, Lindsay. Nicely done. Terry
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 5:23:00 PM
Hello Terry ... the kid's got a good future ahead of him if he keeps scamming like this in this modern world. Thank you Terry - Lindsay
Date: 4/22/2021 4:53:00 AM
That was awesome, I was totally expecting a different ending. I love the story and the incredible rhymes. Thanks for sharing bud!
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 5:20:00 PM
Hello Mark ... thank you Mark; I'm pleased you enjoyed this piece of humour. Kids, you can't beat 'em - Lindsay
Date: 4/22/2021 3:26:00 AM
He'll put on a lot of weight, with all those burgers. Looks like he fancies himself as the bait also. Great poetry, great story.
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 5:18:00 PM
Thank you Harry for your encouraging comment. The kid had it all worked out. He'll make a great car salesman - Lindsay
Date: 4/19/2021 4:55:00 PM
You always entertain with your wonderful poetic stories Lindsay. This left a big smile on my face. You come up with the funniest endings and entertain all the way through your poems, having us wondering how it will end. Bravo my friend! Have a great week. Blessings xxoo
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 4:47:00 PM
Hello Connie ... always nice to hear from you. I hope this light hearted poetry helps to bring a little bit of joy to anyone that feels a bit down. Thank you for commenting Connie - Lindsay
Date: 4/18/2021 2:27:00 PM
Tis is too cute Lindsay but don't feel hard toward the boy since I'm sure he wasn't doing this for a treat or for fun but for a meal. Great story which left me with a smile. I needed that. God Bless, JB
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 4:44:00 PM
Hello Judy ... I don't think McDonalds will mind his little scam but if he keeps it up his health might become a problem - thank you Judy - Lindsay
Date: 4/18/2021 5:32:00 AM
Clever kid! Lindsay, you are a superb story teller! Great tale, title included. Janice
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 4:41:00 PM
Hello Janice ... thank you for reading and leaving an encouraging comment - Lindsay
Date: 4/16/2021 12:46:00 PM
This is another example of real good story telling, Lindsay :) You always offer an excellent twist at the end! ~ Best regards // paul
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 4:39:00 PM
Thank you Paul. I do enjoy writing this style of poetry with a hook at the finish - Lindsay
Date: 4/13/2021 1:33:00 PM
Lol, now that's a brilliant idea, I might give it a go. Tom
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 4/25/2021 4:37:00 PM
Hello Tom ... kids, they're very inventive and can be cunning. Tell me how you go Tom - Lindsay
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