I really don't know anything about free-verse poetry but something's I would like to share are
not always rhythmic and they do not always rhyme within my mind.. They are memories that have a
hold on me, much like the roots of a tree.. They keep me anchored.. They allow me to know who I
am and remind me of where I come from.. I wanted to share this part of myself with others but I
lacked the gift to do so..  
 
However, Susan made a comment that touched me in a very unexpected way.. I would like to thank
her for that.. For her encouragement, I suppose.. I would also like to thank Helen for agreeing
to be my mentor or maybe the right word, is tutor.. At times, I feel like the blue eyed man in
her poem, I see what I want to write with one eye, that is concentrated on the subject, but the
other eye dancing around to a drummer who is out of tune.. I sent her a poem and asked for her
help.. She revised it, including the title, and here it is..
 
revised bass
 
it was a cold morning.
as we turned up the branch
above the blue hole,
he told me how the branch
bordered his land.
we walked,
then came upon a large pool.
"quite," he said
we knelt down
on the dead leaves and snow.
all I could hear
was the water in the still brisk air.
then he whispered,
"see him."
the line of his finger targeted
the big fish   ( staying very still )
he whispered,
"i have been after him 5 years."
he baited his hook.
he cast his line.
the hook dropped
just in front of his prey
i could see the 10 lb test line
slice the surface of the water
i watched as the
fish paused
then struck
sucking in bait and hook.
the old man's pole bent.
his reel sang as it gave
slack. i saw panic in his eyes
as he handed me his pole.
he shed his clothes quick.
then,
butt naked, 'cept for his boots
he grabbed the line
and jumped waist deep in the pool
I heard the words
oh shit!
I watched in awe as he fallowed the line
wading in neck deep
then bending over under water.
I saw only ripples on the surface
then..... an explosion
as his hands raised followed
by his head
he came up as if he'd been baptized for the first time,
a huge bass in the grip
but no, he didn't say halleluiah!
he said "gotcha!" instead.
 
I thank you both..  For your encouragement and your talented assistance.. 
 
Prince