Let's go fishin'...

The household ceased its chatter, and the floor began to beat,
With the urgency of action..and the sound of running feet!
Arguments were stilled mid-stride, while boxes now were filled inside,
...with lures and sinkers neat!
The ute downstairs roared into life, and Dad sang out to his good wife,
“C’mon, don’t bring the flamin’ chairs!”
We piled into the front and back, and everywhere a fishin’ hat,
...most needin’ of repairs!

On and on those country miles, ‘til all of us had lost our smiles,
...then fell at last to slumber!
Well into the night we drove, positions changed and on we dozed,
...snoring in our number!
'Til daylight shone its bright around, and soon began a waking sound,
...the arguments ignited!
“Tighten up the lip you’ve got, or Dad will stop and park you lot,”
...Mum said quite excited!

We reached the spot, and out we got...with breakfast on the menu!
Tho’ work came first, then coffee’d thirst...was quenched at fireside venue!
The motor coughed and started, someone else had ..#!&*..ed,
...and we were on our way!
Here and there we dropped a line, then off again to boating time,
...a fishin’, boatin’ day!

Then Dad’s report, “Me lines gone taught”...the boat erupted roundly!
Lines were cast, to “Hell!” and “Blast!”...as they crossed and twisted soundly!
In it came a barra’...and what a handsome prize!
Tangles cut, and mouths were shut...Bigger! ..caught our eyes!

Pete’s lure caught, a low slung branch...he tugged and jerked frustrated!
Warily we watched his moves...’til danger had abated!
Then back and forth, and to and fro...the rods were casting freely!
Lures and treble's flying past...adding danger to the melee!

In the stern sat Mum’s concern...her flock were in a turmoil!
Instructions sent to some repent...while others missed the good-oil!
Then one line caught, another taught...enthusiasm standing!
Words of praise, and some Amazed...then fish nets for the landing!

Pete’s loud tone then found a home...that danger was upon us!
His line was caught was his report...his presence was no bonus!
Eventually his lure whizzed free...and sizzled in the air!
Mum’s loud shout was all about...and filled with raw despair! “DUCK..!!”

Heads went up, and heads went down...as we found alarms essential!
Those sharpened hooks were bloody crooks...and full of harms potential!
Flying through the air with ease, they had the boat full on our knees...targets everywhere!
Pete’s bad luck had run amok, and when they struck his time was up...bizarre!

From heavens sent, sharp hooks were bent...and found themselves a prize!
Dad’s lament, and cry was vent...brought tears to all our eyes!
“You little shit, I got the hit...your life is not worth living!”
Mum’s report, reprieve of sort..."It will take some time forgiving!”

“Turn your back, and don’t look at...the pain your fathers feeling!”
As she cut the hooks, and closed the books...on the casting and the reeling!
“Don’t snigger in your silence...or cause the hurt to flare!
Your father’s faint, and furious...that Pete’s fishhooks caught him...THERE!”

(c) Author R. J. Bowring

Russell Bowring is the author of 1864 - An adventure novel concerning the early contacts between Europeans and Solomon Islanders. More can be found at his website