How can I get you–wish
not to be gotten? Can patience be the hook
to my line? Do I pull hard, quick & firm;
irritate stubborn fish–game? Are you
& river bounded; I
another fisherman to drown?
As you allow current,
bring me unknown.

“Eye of the beholder,” pairs
many–wish to behold–rooted to bank,
nylon cast….I wade. Lost
rod, water lap–you–see me
stand–cold caring stream
hug me–as it you?
Slow, submerse scared
to you; no bait.

Do not want to hunt–you
accustomed to fishermen’s admiration?
Do not want to fish–you–like a bear;
feast before winter. Now
see pull has you
tug–strong,
determine–me
like salmon upstream.