The Truth About Fishing

My trip to the gulf coast was nice,
relaxed,
no deadlines to meet,
no rush to arrive,
or leave.
The days were warm,
soft breezes blew,
and the sky was cloudless.
The only thing missing,
was you.

The water was nice,
and warm,
tantalizing,
enticing the soul to swim on and on,
forever and ever,
to become one with the creatures of the sea;
but something was missing…
you.

The fish weren't biting,
but what did I care;
the spirit was high,
floating on air,
I had sunshine,
warm winds,
freedom to do as I pleased,
yet, I couldn't help missing…
you.

Then it was time to go home,
to lose that idyllic atmosphere,
to again face the tribulations of reality,
and work,
and traffic,
and day to day existence;
but I didn't care.
I knew you would finally be there.


W. James Beard, Jr.