Small Fish

Holding onto a rail.
I lean over to see my reflection
mirrored in the water 
and small fish swimming
in the camouflage of me.

I muse whether they are feeding
on my thoughts, nibbling
on the strands that loosely 
float my day, making 
their easy way towards
a dark clumped deep
in my shadow.

I can almost feel 
their small fins brush the inside
of my skull, following
the course of a fear,
threading passage
through a weedy tangle 
of doubt.

Then, swimming deeper,
their excitement seems 
to grow in what they find,
feeding on something
that is hidden from me,
beyond the reflection
of my own mind.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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

Wolf Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 8:15 PM
What an interesting 'angle' (pun intended) on your 'fishing expedition,' sir! The poetic bent of your (fishing) pole guarantees a bountiful catch! Excelsior! ~ Gershon
Willason Avatar
June 3, 2024 at 5:46 AM
Thankyou Gershon for your kind and witty comments. Very much appreciated. You have the unique gift of seeing things from a different angle, always interesting and entertaining. Take care...Paul
Nicole Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 5:08 PM
Dear Paul, this thought caught my attention for many reasons. ' small fish swimming in the camouflage of me. ' Perhaps many of us feel like a ** small fish ** in a big world. That's what I'm seeing and feeling while reading your words. This part, ' in the camouflage of me, ' is like covering up who I really am. Always be true to who you are. Everyone is different and that's okay. Very expressive thoughts, indeed. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Willason Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 2:28 AM
Wow...it seems you have devoted some time to thinking through the poem dear Brandy, thankyou. Indeed appreciate your comments. The poem probably has many lines of interpretation, it came out as is, largely taking on its own direction. Like all poetry, the reader has the privilege of extracting whatever meaning comes to mind. Value your thoughtful comments, take care dear Brandy, Paul
Bartley Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 1:55 PM
AWEsome! Just perfect for today's POTD. Thanks for being.
Willason Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 2:14 AM
Hi Benjamin, thankyou for taking time out to read and comment on the poem....appreciated. Value your feedback. Regards, Paul
Rodgers Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 1:50 PM
Hey Paul, your poem is an absolute gem! The metaphorical depth left me captivated. Earning POTD is well-deserved recognition for your exceptional talent. Congratulations on this fantastic achievement! Your words truly leave a lasting impression. Keep up the brilliant work! Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Willason Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 2:10 AM
Quite overwhelmed by your gracious comments Daniel. Thankyou. Such support reassures an old poet that the muse smiles kindly on me sometimes, that I still have something meaningful to say and this adds greatly to the pleasure of writing. Take care my friend, always apprecuate your thoughtful visitations.
Kaufman Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 12:31 PM
Hi Paul, Congratulations on this POTD. I like the connection you made between other forms of life and what we has humans are not privy to, very intriguing poem..
Willason Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 1:10 AM
Thankyou Nancy for your comments and for giving the poem some thought...very much appreciated. Good to get such feedback. Regards, Paul
Baker Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 9:43 AM
Intriguing poetry, Paul. Congratulations on your POTD! Enjoy your special day of recognition. Bill
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 11:29 PM
Thankyou Bill...indeed appreciate your congratulatory note. Kind regards, Paul
Goldsmith Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 9:31 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A wonderful write. I felt I could see my reflection. Have a blessed day with your win..................
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 11:27 PM
Thankyou Paula...pleased to receive your positive comments and learn that the poem gave a surface to your kindly and gracious reflection. Valued. Take csre, Paul
Fowler Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 8:18 AM
I love this image Paul. On first read I thought of minnows near the surface of the creek, but on second read, I reflected on the Japanese Gardens in my home town, with the lovely koi fish. A stimulating read. Thank you and congratulations on the honor of POTD! :)
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 11:20 PM
So pleased Linda to receive your lovely comments. Most grateful that you gave the poem some careful thought..always a treat to hear, indicates the words conveyed something meaningful. Thankyou dear Linda.
Bowring Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 8:03 AM
Dear Paul, many congratulations for POTD with this wonderful, profound and reflective read from your amazing poetic pen as always. You so deserve the recognition and so much praise as you are such an amazing poet - so expressive. Like so many, I love reading your poems and one read through is never enough! You have immense ability to draw the reader in so they too, see what you’re observing through your artistic poet’s eyes. A poem of deep contemplation. I’m joining the line of admirers :) :)
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 11:12 PM
Dear Christina, you do me a great honor in providing such positive and supportive commentary....it indeed lifts the spirit to learn that my little offerings find welcome and carry meaning. Matters to me and I sincerely value your feedback my dear friend. Thankyou, Paul
M  Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 7:08 AM
YAY So happy to see your name and your “small fish” up here in lights Paul Hehe!! Biggest Congratulations my friend on POTD…..well deserved! Enjoy….Debx
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 11:03 PM
You're a champ my dear Deb...do value your generous support. Thankyou again my friend, Paul
Kitchin Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 4:39 AM
Paul, your poetry is exquisite. I can escape in your lines and enjoy reading your poems. Congratulations on POTD, a well deserved honor.
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 11:00 PM
Thankyou for such positive comment dear Tania, always good to hear from you. Appreciate giving the poem your time. Take care, Paul
Kavanagh  Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 4:39 AM
Top choice for POTD Paul, I somehow think it would’ve been a travesty if this one was overlooked, I’m still reeling it in, brilliant, cheers David
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 10:56 PM
You have me blushing David. Sincerely appreciate your supportive comments....thankyou again. Regards, Paul
Lane Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 4:11 AM
There is so much value in reading you, Paul. I'm glad to read this one again and to see you honored with poem of the day. Everything you create should be so recognized.
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 10:54 PM
So kind Lin...thankyou once again my friend.
Seeker Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 2:55 AM
Deep and so original! Absolutely loved this! Warmest congratulations on POTD, Paul
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 10:52 PM
So pleased to receive your kind words US....thankyou for taking the time to dive into the poem and give it some thought. Valued. Paul
Edmonds  Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 2:22 AM
An interesting poem Paul, I guess fish have feeling same as we do, life is what it is and fish will always be a sumptuous dish. Congratulations on receiving the honour of poem of the day… Beryl
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 10:46 PM
Many thanks Beryl for your comments....valued. Regards, Paul
Cunningham Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 12:33 AM
Quite a thought provoking verse Paul, congratulations to you on a well deserved honour of POTD. Enjoy your weekend. Tom
Willason Avatar
June 1, 2024 at 10:43 PM
Thankyou Tom for giving the poem your time and commenting, aporecuated. Paul
Kavanagh  Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 12:05 PM
I’ll never look at them small fish again in the same light after this one Paul, a poet’s poem for sure, perspectively and introspectively speaking, you’ve opened up another dimension here, top poem top poet, has to be a Fave, my second today so hope it counts, cheers David
Willason Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 4:02 PM
Quite moved by your words David, a poet's poem is high praise and much valued. Didn't have to wrestle too much with this one, came out almost as is...a delight when this happens. Thanklyou for annointing with a Fav and for your support. Regards, Paul
M  Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 7:17 AM
Another pure beauty Paul! Debx
Willason Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 3:53 PM
Thankyou Deb...so nice to have this note pushed under the doorstep of my days beginning....take care dear friend.
Lane Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 6:34 AM
Paul, you can make something so simple sound as if it was the most wondrously magical moment..."small fish swimming in the camouflage of me." I would like to nibble on your thoughts as an upgrade to any poetic endeavor I undertake. You truly are an inspiration to reach for greater heights of thinking of myself as a poet. I'm faving this one.
Willason Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 3:51 PM
Dearest Lin, I'm afraid a good number of my thoughts are not worth a nibble or a bite, but I am so moved by your generous comments and support...truly, I can walk an extra block powered by such lovely words. To have my poetry so honored is a blessing dear friend.
Lawless Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 5:17 AM
A FAVE!!!! Magnificent insight into the cavernous confines of the synaptic vales of the mind....
Willason Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 3:42 PM
Thankyou John....I am savoring your comments over a morning coffee...so appreciative of your kind words. That mind of yours is stunningly agile.
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