Fishing
A "Fish Story" that has nothing to do with fish
It might have looked like a fishing trip
But I was really hunting
I might have looked like a pampered princess
But I was really a huntress
-
When Daddy woke me before the sun
I began to circle my prey
When I jumped in the old grey truck with a smile
I began to lull my prey
-
I didn't squirm like the worm on the hook
I kept my eyes on the prize
I didn't grow impatient and whine while we waited
I kept my focus on the win
-
When the fish tugged on the line I held tight
I let him help me just enough
He braced me while I struggled to reel it in
But let me prove my stuff
-
I slipped the hook from the mouth of the fish
Keeping my goal in sight
I carried the fish without flinch or grimace
Making my aim just right
-
When I posed for the camera with my catch of the day
I was still on the hunt closing in
When I told Grampa I caught all the big ones
My hunt drew nigh to the end
-
When Daddy came home with the photos to brag
I snapped the trap shut on my prey
Then he talked of his fine fishing buddy with pride
But I caught more than fish that day
-
I proved I was more than just gingham and curls
I captured his heart and much more
On a trip with Dad to the lake four decades ago
I caught all I needed for life
-
He taught me to fish so I’d never go hungry
While I caught his faith in my skill
He taught me to be brave, not squirm at the worms
While I caught his courage in strife
-
He taught me to be patient and do hard things
While I caught his will to never give up
He taught me to value time more than money
While I caught his generosity and love
-
Now I no longer have to fish for compliments
Or hunt for acceptance from others
I keep his teachings tucked in my tackle box
And my catch close in my quiver
About the Creator
A. J. Schoenfeld
I only write about the real world. But if you look close enough, you'll see there's magic hiding in plain sight everywhere.
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Comments (8)
Ok, this had me in tears because of those beautiful life lessons!
What beautiful memory put into poetry. I wish I had that kind of relationship with my dad.
This is so beautiful. I love how it starts playfully but deepens into such a moving tribute.
Just. Brilliant. As soon as I read the first few lines I figured where this was probably going and it was just beautiful from there on. Fully realised and fully comitted to the metaphor. And just loved every single damn line, but especially loved how you pulled it round in the end with the line about not having to fish for compliments - genius level. Also, you are quite adorable now, my friend, but you were a ferocious huntress with cap backwards! This definitely should be in the running for one of those five sweet Winner spots. As Rommi said, cos I'm a copycat, well-wrought!
Well-wrought! To value time more than money is indeed important.
A.J., I love this idea of the hunt. I think this is awesome and it melted a little piece of me as I read it. I recognise myself in it too although I've never hunted with my dad but I've definitely sought his respect and approval. Good luck in the challenge.
Awww, this was such a wonderful experience, memory, and lesson as well. So wholesome. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Was that a photo of you as a little girl. If it was I must say you were a cute little girl.. A beautiful poem about a little girl and what her father taught her about life.I especially like the lines - he taught you to value time more than money. I think these days I am the only one in my family that does value time over money. I needed to read this tonight, I was wondering what was wrong with me, that my values were not the same as most people. My Dad died when I was 7, but with what I remember I have let him inspire me every day. Thank you for this poem AJ.