I have fished the Sound
the boat rocking along the waves
driven northward by surface currents
with dogfish caught on my line
while salmon glide away
I have fished the Sound
drawing the rough-bodied sharks
up and out of the water
my fingers linger on their skin
fins splayed like wings
I have no use for dogfish
so I cut them loose
take out the hook
set them free
into the gray saltwater
I have fished the Sound
with the ferries sounding their passage
and the tugs pulling flat boats of logs
safely into port
I have fished the Sound
Pamela Olson, 1/7/2010
For One Single Impression’s prompt,
“wings”
I like this very much. I have fished a sound, too. And I love the way you captured the ongoing, cyclical nature of fishing. The interaction between the fisher and the sound is essential. While all that coming and going mark the day for others, that conversation goes steadily on. Lovely.
This lovely and rhythmical piece carries the sound of the Sound, the endless tides and a nice slice of underwater life. I so enjoyed it.
I too am a catcher of dogfish…those slick sandpaper-skinned greedies! Lovely poem.
Beautiful! And perfect accompanying photo.
I also like the story you tell. Life is kind of like this too. Sometimes I seem to just catch the dogfish while the salmon get away.
Gorgeous imagery going on, as always… I wondered if anyone would use fish to interpret the prompt this way. You do it excellently.
I love this piece, the purposeful busyness surrounding, the quiet rhythms, the glide. Deeply moved by interplay with prehistoric wings.
Great poem!