Fishing With Grampa

Fishing with Grampa


Stooped sphinx
White Owl clenched, breathed
immovable, patient, thumb and index
finger on the line
tension always adjusted
imperceptible twitches

SNAP!  Set!
the battle joined
reptilian reaction to movement
same expression sinews, fins
bristling, relaxing, flexing, splashing, writhing, running
sunlight flashing; doomed

but his torso has yet to move
not a blink or a puff
inexorable peasant
stolid coal miner
fingers, wrists, elbows
the walleye is meat

single-minded, rapt
the fish in and off,
Grampa flies to the kitchen
the white porcelain basin
the sharp knife
he doesn't share his catch.