The Quiet • The Strike
Posted by Rob Kistner | Filed under Free Verse, Poetry, action, beauty, dark, gratitude, horror, joy, mystery, nature, philosophy, regret, suspense, tragedy, wisdom, wonder
…I’ve written two pieces in response to Three Word Wednesday July 21st prompt • the first is entitled “The Quiet” • the second is entitled “The Strike”…
•
left like spent bait
in the disapproving sun
to rot from apathy
the carcasses of constituents
foolishly quiet
curl brittle and crack
victims of their trust
they did not jump
their chance for change
and so they wither
hollowed by ignorance
and purposeful neglect
while the dark beast
slouches off with eden
marrow dripping from a smile
• • •
The Strike
•
warm
familiar
comfortable in my palm
my fingers wrap natural cork
index raised
gauging line tension
precision brings the willow’d shaft
high above my shoulder
rod flexing expectantly
a flick of my wrist
and the line arcs forward
increasing the pressure
on my fingertip
as it rolls ahead
accelerating
then
a careful pluck
like a string
on a guitar
it is released
the golden lure
at line’s end
sails silent
into the squinting summer sun
with a subtle plick
the barbed hunter disappears
slipping ‘neath the sparkle
of the undulating steam
seductively
with quickening pulse
eagerly visualizing
I retrieve the bait
anticipating the strike
patience draws the lure
dancing ever nearer
I long for the sharp
powerful tug
for the slender thread
unreeled before me
to rise
and dart away
in a sliver of silver spray
for my heart to jump
as a proud trout
breaks water
victim to my seduction
in this moment
mind focused
breath steady
senses heightened
awaiting sudden contact
I reflect
there is a simple truth in fishing
in life
the thrill of possibility
can be as rich
as the reward
• • •
rob kistner © 2010
July 21st, 2010 at 10:42 am
good verse these… i for a moment read the first word “The Quiet” as life instead of left and yet i felt it made sense.. donno why..
July 21st, 2010 at 10:44 am
I am pleased this piece worked for you Leo…
…rob
July 21st, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Wonderful poem “The Quiet”, Rob. I especially like the ending line.
July 21st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Thank you Thom…
…rob
July 21st, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I really liked The Quiet. It speaks to me and tells me that I should take my chances now, while I have the chance.
Beautifully written.
July 21st, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Powerful work, Rob. Especially the first one.
July 21st, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Thank you K…
…rob
July 21st, 2010 at 8:03 pm
I appreciate your graciousness Mark, and am pleased you connected with “The Quiet”…
…rob
July 21st, 2010 at 9:29 pm
We have to take our chances when they come.
I like your attitude to fishing - it’s not about what you bring home.
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:45 am
For anyone who doesn’t know the allure of fly fishing, you’ve captured the essence of the sport. Well done.
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:17 am
Fishing, like life, is about finding joy in the journey, because that comprises the majority of the experience — as always, thank you for visiting and commenting Stan…
…rob
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:23 am
Your kind words are appreciated Thom — I love the commune with nature, and the thrill of anticipation, be it fly or ultralight spin fishing…
…rob
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Outstanding poems, both of them. “The Quiet” blew my mind — incredible wordsmithery.
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Thank you Thomma Lyn…
…rob
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:14 am
too much said in three words verse
No More A Victim
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:55 am
Not certain if I have been complimented or critiqued — but thank you for visiting D…
…rob