Reservoir

Raised in patience, schooled
in the fluent cast, you know
the arc of neither.

Pumpkinseeds, painted fops,
court the shore, they tug
in love of hooks and harm.

It doesn't matter who receives
the most proposals, who is left
to flop among the stones.

Sink to the level of the bonefish,
the ones with pearls locked
in their skulls. Imagine
the senses reeling back.

Chub-brained, you chuff
the basin's darkest reach,
your thin heart knocking
deep, your one slow companion.

Fish burst from the watered
hole and flash the ores
of angled sun, a ghost sheen
breaking waves. They leap,
yes, and the mind follows.
It walks the water to creel.

Copyright © 2003 Doug Sanders All rights reserved
from Crazyhorse
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission