Fishing on a Pier at a Scenic Reservoir

Huge catfish, tasty trout,
And delicious black bass
Plumbing the depths
Of the beautiful lake near our home;
My uncle, a long-time fisherman
Of countless, deliberate, successful hours,
Is attempting to reel in
These taste-tempting fish
With a variety of bait and tackle
Designed for hooking these
Potentially receptive, yet often unresponsive,
Specimens.
I listen to lively music
And enjoy this windy, clear day,
A back-up fisherman, of sorts,
Having been taught how to fish
But not seeking direct involvement
With my uncle’s hobby,
Relaxing in a comfortable fold-up chair.

All around us, gnats and mosquitoes
Are swirling about the pier,
While boaters float past in relative proximity,
Some with pedals and others
With motors and oars,
Fully engaged in their aquatic experience.
Interested, excited children with their parents
Visit with the fishermen,
Taking in the scenic vistas
Of the gorgeous reservoir,
Arriving and leaving with their
Casual, yet exuberant excitement.

But as usual, the fish fail to bite,
Leaving the crowd of fishermen, children,
And parents disappointed.
We all say, “Maybe next time!”