•
warm
familiar
comfortable in my palm
my fingers wrap natural cork
index raised
gauging line tension
precision brings the willow’d shaft
high above my shoulder
flexing expectantly
a flick of my wrist
and the rod arcs forward
increasing the pressure
on my fingertip
as it bends ahead
urgently
seeking release
then
a careful pluck
like a string
on a guitar
it is launched
the ultralight lure
golden at line’s end
sails silent
into the squinting summer sun
with a subtle plick
the barbless hunter disappears
slipping ‘neath the sparkle
of the undulating steam
seductively
I retrieve the bait
with quickening pulse
eagerly visualizing
anticipating the strike
patience draws the offering
alluringly
dancing ever nearer
I long for the sharp
powerful tug
for the slender thread
unreeled before me
to rise
and dart away
in a sliver of silver spray
for my heart to jump
as a proud trout
breaks water
victim to my seduction
in this moment
mind focused
breath steady
senses heightened
awaiting sudden contact
I reflect
there is a simple truth in fishing
as in life
the thrill of possibility
can be as rich
as the reward
• • •
rob kistner © 2008
• photorendering entitled “The Strike” by: rob kistner © 2008
