Silent Water

 

Thick, murky, white fog

Kissed the black, flat water.

Dampness invaded his bones.

His wait had been a long one

 

Patience had been instilled

By his long departed grandfather

Learn the river's secrets

And she will be yours

 

Cold fingers registered the touch

Before the battered pole arced

The frantic headshaking rush

The broken surface, composed in moments

 

With economy of practice

The defient golden torpedo

Joined his brothers on the stringer

And the river was placid again

 

Brilliant roilling sunshine shafts

Pierced the thinning, white mist

When battle was joined once more

The heavy stringer, the last fish on board

 

A splash, the ripple painted over

The anchor clunked the boat bottom

A gentle tug, the muted throbbing

The content, memorized ride home