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Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
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British Columbia, Canada

0 posted 2001-08-17 11:51 PM



~* A Fish Story For Nathan *~

I want to share with you a memory maybe you too will recall,
It’s a story of when we learned to fish, one weekend in the fall.

Fishing by the ocean, watching my float drift with the tide,
I recall a moment many years in my past, with tender love and pride.
For it was a day just like this, when a native friend taught me to fish,
Fulfilling a young girl’s dream, as fishing, was my one deep yearning wish.

For my birthday he bought me a black rod of shining split cane,
A center pin reel, a float and line, so my interest wouldn’t wane.
I continuously practiced tying on hooks and weighting on the float,
Making bow knots, half hitches, for when we fished from a boat.

An adventure to the Skeena River was discussed and planned,
I giggled so excitedly, holding that precious rod in my hand.
The time passed so slowly as I waited for that magical day,
Until it finally happened, we were on the train on our way.

We arrived at the River with our gear and rods by our side,
I heard a sound unfamiliar, I squealed and my eyes opened wide!
Our spot was by deep water, in front of rocks flat and secure,
Then we got our gear ready, for a big steelhead to lure.

He had brought you along to teach fishing as well,
I know you were excited, you tried hiding it but I could tell.
You hated girls as much as I hated boys, so we made a truce,
I’d stay on my side, and you on yours, don’t cross on any excuse.

The best time for fishing, is morning, when a tide starts to ebb,
We planned carefully in advance, like a spider spinning a web.
I was ready for battle with a big steelhead, down there in the deep,
Thinking of this moment all night, at the expense of my sleep.

The Chief was tall when seen from my position down by his knee,
I loved him so and was proud that on this trip he had brought me.
The water was so calm, fiercely reflecting the suns' burning rays,
Making him squint tightly, as he peered through the morning haze.

He knelt and showed me how to plait the weed, on the tiny hook,
Waiting until I had it perfect, not worried about the time it took.
He was keen to do his own fishing, and dropped down his float,
Then waited for the fish to swallow it, deep down in its throat.

Nothing is greater than seeing that float, slide out of sight,
Then strike with caution, rod tip held high, ready for the fight.
A steelhead is a fighter, with powerful darting runs for his lair,
And will cut your line on sharp rocks, if you don't use enough care.

Too much pressure tears out the hook, if the line gets a jerk,
So you play and weaken them, with the rod doing all the work.
These are a few of the things Chief Baker taught me in the past.
He created some of my fondest memories, that will forever last.

Well that was the day that Nathan decided to cross over to my side,
He was screaming in wild excitement he sure couldn't hide.
For the Chief had caught the big one that always got away,
But what did he do, he let it loose to go swimming on his way.

I could not believe my eyes when he let that fish get free,
Then he sat us both down by the campfire underneath the tree.
He told us to respect nature, and that sport should  be for fun,
We should put back what we don’t need before the day is done.

I look forward to days with my Grandchildren, when I too lovingly show,
What I learned from Chief Baker about nature, so they too will know.
Things taught to us in the past, are only kept in our care,
We must pass them on to our descendants, our wisdom we must share.
.
He showed things to you, his Grandson, in that fishing spot,
He taught you more than fishing for steelhead, when you were just a tot.
I will treasure his memory always; he treated me with so much love.
I dedicate this memory to your Dad who soars with eagles above.

~*~  

~*This fishing story of us is in his memory, for you Nathan.  Your Father was a brave and courageous man, a real fighter who lived his life with love, integrity, respect, and dignity.  Fly with the eagles my friend. *~  

~*~

In Loving Memory of Chief Simon Baker
February 12, 1927 ~ August 12, 2001

wav: Shewhowavs "Courage"
art: "Breath Of Spring" D. Bush  www.world-wide-art.com



If you have but one true friend when you die you were truly blessed
   ~* Mysteria *~

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (edited 08-18-2001).]

© Copyright 2001 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved
Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
1 posted 2001-08-18 01:15 AM


Mysteria~
Soars a notch above your usual fine weaving~
This is artfully told with much love and care~

Nathan will certainly treasure it~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
                                   noles1@totcon.com            

Mysteria
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2 posted 2001-08-18 01:55 AM


Thank you Marge, unfortunatley I have had too much time to work on this one as this brave man has been fighting his battle of life for some time now, and finally he is no longer in pain.  Maybe I shouldn't rush so fast I guess if it shows  

If you have but one true friend when you die you were truly blessed
   ~* Mysteria *~

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
3 posted 2001-08-18 07:02 AM


Wonderfully crafted Sharon ... you've told the story beautifully, and the joy of the experience and memories shines through your lines with genuine love and warmth. From one fisherwoman to another ... this is just lovely.  

Best wishes,
/Kit

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2001-08-18 08:35 AM



Children do not always know the memories that their parents left behind, if friends of the parents don't share them...

this is wonderful!  You KNOW I enjoyed it!

cottage
Member
since 2001-06-21
Posts 138

5 posted 2001-08-18 08:49 AM


mysteria, wat a heart-warming story that touched my heart.
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
6 posted 2001-08-18 08:52 AM


A story well wrtten and presented! A pure joy to read!
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
7 posted 2001-08-18 09:40 AM



The intimicy of friendship,
the warmth of memories,
a tribute of honor,
a gift of love,
a poem of beauty
Liz

Flutterwings
Member
since 2001-07-10
Posts 288
Maine
8 posted 2001-08-18 11:09 AM


I can associate with these fine memories... so very well penned... with so much inner feelings of love and respect. You've thrown out a line and caught a winning poem here.   A super dedication to a person who has left you with riches from his heart. He is soaring with eagels, indeed. Bravo! Love  peace Maggie ((~.~))


Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
9 posted 2001-08-18 02:17 PM


Thank you all for your nice comments.  You will see these memories from time to time on here that I do.  As is the custom here when a First Nations citizen passes, there is a gathering at the longhouse after and some of those that have shared in the life are picked to be witnesses in recording down in the logbook, the wonderful things that people will say in respect about the particular person.  I am honored to have again been chosen to be part of the memory circle, but as this man's son and I have been friends since childhood this is a little gifting to him personally.  Again, thank you.
Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
10 posted 2001-08-18 02:42 PM


Mysteria, I think this is a great tribute you wrote. Thank you for sharing.

Titia

A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess...
Feel free to use the pictures on my website. http://communities.msn.com/Titiasplace/

AJ MacNeil
Junior Member
since 2001-05-02
Posts 40

11 posted 2001-08-19 07:48 AM


How very beautiful Sharon ! ... This is so wonderfully recalled and so unselfishly shared .. thankyou  XO  Andy
Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
12 posted 2001-08-19 02:08 PM


Titia ~ Thank you for sharing it by reading.

Andy ~ Another week and you can see this fishing spot yourself - are you excited yet?         We are!

If you have but one true friend when you die you were truly blessed
   ~* Mysteria *~

Martha Cowan
Member
since 2001-03-08
Posts 240
Groves, Texas
13 posted 2001-08-19 05:49 PM


Sharon...this was so beautiful, and found me (as me the cry wimpus so often does...) wiping a tear. My dad taught me how to fish when I was very young, and it became one of the traditions we never deviated from throughout the years, until his death. Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories with us...and forgive my tardiness...anxiety attacks about the upcoming trip has found it very difficult for me to sit still for very long periods at a time ~*~winks~*~
Hugs, smiles, and much love to you!  
~*~dawn~*~


shadow974
Senior Member
since 2001-06-21
Posts 636
Michigan
14 posted 2001-08-19 06:09 PM


Fishing and all of nature are a great insperation. So are those who are filled with the wisdom to share it with the young.
Great write

Throw your heart out in front of you
And run out to catch it.
ARAB PROVERB

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
15 posted 2001-08-19 07:24 PM


Martha ~ "Breathe", and get out your wine, that will help, and if that doesn't work - go fishing!

shadow974 ~ That is so true, as there is more to fishing that just catching fish isnt' there?  Thanks for reading.

If you have but one true friend when you die you were truly blessed
   ~* Mysteria *~

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