Anglers!

[Guest Mike Connor]

There are anglers, more than plenty,

and though some are barely twenty,

there are those of over ninety,

still catching fish with flies,

they still take their roving rambles,

through prickly gorse and brambles,

and even rhododendrons,

a true angler will not surprise.

 

No matter what the weather,

they go forth with fur and feather,

searching lakes and streams and rivers,

and even oceans, for their prize,

It may rain or snow or thunder,

the heavens be rent asunder,

but nothing stops an angler,

searching out the fishy lies.

 

They use rods of cane and plastic,

tell tales that are fantastic,

in fact exaggeration,

may well be their stock in trade,

But on them, there is reliance,

they are known for their defiance,

suffering any deprivation,

till their catch it has been made.

 

They drink beer and wine and whisky,

and often they are frisky,

and sometimes melancholy,

and they have but one intent,

they scale trees and hills and mountains,

cross fields and woods and fountains,

and all to find their quarry,

just to see their rods well bent.

 

They wear the very oddest raiment,

they scoff at thoughts of payment,

no price is too expensive,

for just one more angling trip,

they use various transportation,

in search of recreation,

they spend weeks with all the planning,

such expedition to equip.

 

When they reach their destinations,

after all the preparations,

despite all the strain and struggle,

they may still not gain their wish,

after spending all their money,

they may not think its funny,

but still they gain enjoyment,

even though they catch no fish.

 

And then upon returning,

ambition is still burning,

in the heart of a true angler,

the passion never dies,

so they start again with scheming,

and quite a lot of dreaming,

how to conquer wary fishes,

with a box of artful flies.

 

They spend hours at tying benches,

even ignoring wenches,

some say this is not healthy,

but an angler does not care,

there is no thought of womanising,

but of trout a gently rising,

and when he is not fishing,

he is wishing he was there.

 

Some build gear and rods in winter,

taking care with every splinter,

then gluing them together,

to make a perfect rod of cane,

They constantly are striving,

swapping tips, and some conniving,

some think that every angler,

is either lazy or insane,

 

If you think that we are crazy,

your ideas of angling hazy,

throw off your suit and necktie,

and join us on the stream,

There is no finer leisure,

or way of gaining pleasure,

and when you have done angling,

then you too may sit and dream

 

TL

MC

[Guest Nightwing]

Very good stuff!

[Guest Alan Taylor]

Originally posted by Mike Connor:

Excellent, that gets printed,framed and put on my office wall.

Thank you.

 

alan(nl)

[Guest Mike Connor]

Originally posted by Alan Taylor:

Originally posted by Mike Connor:

Excellent, that gets printed,framed and put on my office wall.

Thank you.

 

alan(nl)

 

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. You might like the "sequel" as well!

 

There is nonsense in profusion, which results in much confusion,

there are lies and half.-truths daily, and some anglers are misled,

by hype and stupid statement, which go on without abatement,

its a wonder they go fishing, after all that has been said.

 

Bewildered and benighted, though some are still delighted,

they venture forth a fishing, on rivers lakes and streams,

with his boxes bags and cases, nearly every angler faces,

most incredible hardship, while pursuing his fond dreams.

 

There are gurus, guides, and experts, who publish lots of excerpts,

from their extremely brilliant exploits, at catching wily fish,

they have the very best of tackle, and though some may often cackle,

they want the best for everyone, that is their most fervent wish.

 

At least that´s what they tell us, I fear they only want to sell us,

something superfluous and expensive, to pay for all their trips,

Whether cane or glass or plastic, something really quite fantastic,

with carbon, boron, aluminium, or even set with diamond chips.

 

Reels with drags, or single actions, produce the most absurd reactions,

but nobody ever tells you, the fish simply do not care,

they know nothing of equipment, its packaging and shipment,

which levels all the anglers, and makes the fishing fair.

 

All the latest gear beguiling, leaves most clever anglers smiling,

for they know it does not matter, they are au fait with the scene,

if you want success in every season, think on this simple reason,

some anglers still catch fish, who never read a magazine.

 

You may read and think and ponder, but when you go out yonder,

the fish are not impressed at all, with great rhetoric or lies,

so whatever your possessions, in all your angling sessions,

fish don't want to see your riches, they just want to eat your flies.

 

If you are inclined to wonder, at each new piece of plunder,

which all the experts tell you, is essential in your quest,

and you don't think it is funny, spending lots of hard earned money,

then do yourself a favour, and let fishing be the test.

 

Some fish are educated, at least so it has been stated,

they know every single trick it seems, that even experts tried,

ignore these high discussions, they are often only cushions,

for failing to connect at all, and experts have their pride.

 

Remember your beginnings, forget all the newest trimmings,

go out and enjoy yourself, your life is much too short,

to worry about appearance, or obtaining higher clearance,

have fun with what you have, think not on what you should have bought.

 

However long and hard the walking, however difficult the stalking,

a really dedicated angler, from his purpose will not swerve,

although forced to thirst and fasting, he simply keeps on casting,

following his hopeful footsteps, around every single curve.

 

You may read the learned papers, about all the fishes capers,

but if you want to be an angler, then retain an open mind,

fish with hope and expectation, and a touch of dedication,

you will then be well rewarded, with fish, and peace of mind.

 

TL

MC

[Guest Nightwing]

More very good stuff!!

Thanks Mike.