Up before dawn;

Downstream as day breaks.

I’ll catch one today

Whatever it takes.

Oh no!

It’s rain.

Head for the car

I feel the pain.

Wait!

A ray of sun.

Back in the water.

Lo, I hook one!

Small but lively.

I go by the book,

but as I reel him in

he slips the hook.

Fired up.

I snag a big one.

Strong, stubborn.

How he can run!

Takes yards of line.

So fast and strong.

I know he’s mine;

I can’t be wrong.

A monster trout?

Just a big branch.

I take the hook out.

When’s my next chance?

September 28, 2021