That Hollow Stare (poem)
That Hollow Stare
I select a fly of fur and quill
tie tippet to the hook
strip line from my arbored reel
across I take a look
`
A long legged blue against the shore
searching for its prey
with its long bill, attempts to gore
but the fish, it swims away
I cast my fly, in mannered steps
before the tangled limb
the fly it sinks within the depth
and drifts along its brim
A certain nudge, I take action
set the hook without despair
my quarry, in its reaction
leaps into the air
with butt in gut, as line i feed
I hold on tight for sure
the fish it runs but soon recedes
wrestling it in, first score!
The great blue fowl, watched me the while
now it stands and stare
and me, I just smile
he resumes as not to care
He then proceeds to his task
again he strikes in vain
riffling water, need I ask?
his prey escapes again
I cast on out, and watch my drift
slow and steady as the norm
again a nudge, again a lift
again a fish air-born
Butt in gut I hold on tight
The beast its fight, a chore
but I withstand its strength of might
yet another score!
Now eye to eye I wink at him
and watch that great blue fowl
his hollow stare, he opts the limb
Me? I just smile
I cast my fly, below his eye
it sinks before him there
my line drifts by, I set my fly
another fish takes air
With outstretched neck and pointed bill
he spears my fish in spite
I look on "is this for real?"
with fish, the bird takes flight
in flight, the hook it gives way
as I just stood there stare’n
and that’s the day I’m proud to say
I outfished a Great Blue Heron
~doubletaper