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A Poem By: Chris Sorrenti


 NOSTALGIA GOES FISHING


In sharp contrast to the powder beige granules
we Baskin’s Beach swimmers bake upon
after the welcome cooling of tans in Ottawa River
on a rocky landing just beyond the swimmers’ buoys
a boy about thirteen hooks the prized species that eluded me
all the years of my own related endeavors
the streamline of a freshwater predator
clearly visible in the distance

With youthful exuberance I run over to examine the catch
a sixteen or so inch Northern Pike
not big - but no small fry either – two pounds is my guesstimate
as it wrestles to unhook itself from minnow imitating Rapala
similar to one I used some thirty years ago

My own successes were limited to Perch and Bass
an occasional Red Finned Sucker
the high point being a four pound Largemouth
I caught up at Constance Bay while trolling with a Red Devil
not far from where we are now

Upon closer examination
I note the young fisherman has a dilemma
the lure is halfway down the fish’s throat
and with rows of needle sharp teeth to contend with
he hesitates even with pliers to free the hooks
so together we work to solve the problem

Recalling a trick I learned from older fishermen
though never had opportunity to apply
I squeeze the Pike firmly by its eyes
explaining to the lad that this will stun it

He then holds its mouth open for me at the very front
where there are no teeth
as I carefully work the embedded hooks free with the pliers

I ask him what he’s going to do with the fish
“keep and eat it” he replies with a grin
I smile back and then turn towards the beach
but not before offering my congratulations
recalling also that Pike are supposedly quite bony
and if not cleaned properly make for poor eating
as I’m sure the young fisherman will soon discover

© 2003 Chris Sorrenti

Link to Chris Sorrenti's website: 
http://members.rogers.com/tomcat7/chrisplace/