There are fish

And there’s fishing.

Fish you can get at the fish market,

In your favorite restaurant.

Even in a lake or stream if you’re lucky.

Fishing, however, is a

A pointless activity.

This morning on the Battenkill

Birds sing, a mother duck and her ducklings float by.

The trees reflect in the river.

Can they see themselves?

Are they aware of the peaceful beauty they share with us?

Perhaps.

Do they care if we sad humans — so driven to succeed, to win,

Catch a fish?

Not likely.

We forget life’s simple joys.

The fish will be there next time.

This morning won’t.

June, 2017