perspective

[Guest Mike Connor]

Aye brother piscator tread softly then, as you go along your chosen path,

pause often, contemplate each move, and do not yield to useless wrath,

ponder on the countless feet that trod this hallowed way before,

a cavalcade of anglers, some recent and the countless hordes from distant days of yore

 

Fascinated and enthralled, as you are even now, at the stroke of happy fate,

which brought you to this path, well worn by many men, both small and great,

great thinkers, men of letters, who partook in full, and then gave freely too,

anglers all, the mighty and the humble, a part of that consuming passion,that is now part of you

 

A sickness ? Aye perhaps this is indeed the case, if honest truth be told,

but a sickness rare and magical, for those belonging to the chosen fold

a vast and mighty brotherhood, bound in spirit, each in his own way,

held in thrall, by bonds of more than passing strength, that go beyond mere simple mortal play

 

To delve too far into such mysteries, is oft beyond our feeble power,

the joy, the fever, exultation, and the sadness at the passing of each hour

the certain knowledge that our time is far too short, one mortal span,

to learn of all the secrets and the ways of fish and flies, too much for any normal mortal man

 

´'Tis often said there is a great deal more to life than simply going fishing,

but attaining such delight is rare for many men, who spend their lives in wishing,

they live for naught it seems, and die unknowing of this all consuming pleasure

far better had they spent less time at work and worry, strove less, and spent a little more on leisure

 

Tread softly then, and as you go, pause often, ponder and give thanks,

that destiny was kind to you, and allowed your entrance to these noble ranks

think often on the far less fortunate, who never find this road of joy and peace

their lives fraught often with dismay and danger, and then joyless, and too soon, unmercifully cease.

 

Tread softly then, and think not ill of those with lesser talents or poor tools of less expense,

great deeds were done,and many fish have so been caught, without the need of money or pretence

perhaps ´'tis not your lot to catch great fish, invent a fly, or gain immortal angling fame,

do not be saddened, think on that great horde of unsung anglers, they enjoyed their angling just the same.

 

Tread softly then, and when you meet with fellow anglers on your favourite secret streams,

be not harsh, but kind polite and helpful, remember well they share your thoughts and dreams

your wife your children, and close family and friends , must take precedence above all others

but dwell awhile on this my unknown friend, of all men you will meet, your fellow anglers are indeed as brothers.

 

Tread softly then, and if to be an honest and accomplished angler is your firm intention

be generous and kind to all you meet, and seek not harmful discourse, and avoid contention

this may be hard, and may require an iron will, especially when others on your rights encroach

an honest angler is a paragon indeed, and strives to be respectful and forgiving, a truly honest angler is beyond reproach.

 

Tread softly then, and when you fall, not meeting quite the aim you set so high, forgive yourself as well,

arise, and take up the goodly fight again, do not curse and moan and wail and wish yourself in hell,

remember that all anglers great or small may sometimes falter, miss a step, and stumble,

some rise and and carry on, rising to heights to which but few men may attain, and honest anglers all, they are still humble

 

Tread softly then, and with luck you may achieve at last those three score years and yet another ten

and by the grace of God or even works of man, be fit enough to tie your flies and cast your line still then

and when your time comes to pass, as come it must, be not sad or rail in useless anger at defeat,

think of those yet still to come, treading softly then, along the path, well worn by yours, and other anglers feet.

 

TL

MC