Morning Mist From Flowing Water Rises

Morning mist from flowing water rises,

And wafts like clouds swirling through the sky.

The trout beneath are one of life’s true prizes,

Drifting upward to take a matching fly.

At forest edge, I step into the stream

And strain to see the water through the mist.

I notice brown drakes drifting, wings agleam

And watch the river for a rising fish.

A rise appears beneath a cedar tree

Across the gentle water far away.

I pick the fly that is this hatches’ key,

And cast it out as I begin to pray.

A swirling rise then drags my fly below.

An out-sized brown trout took my artful bug.

Spraying reel sings loud as line does go.

I check with palm in hopes to land this thug.

The battle wages on in waters deep.

A rushing surge breaks surface as he jumps.

Times like these, the ones I long to reap:

My line so tight, I feel the bamboo pump.

I turn him downstream toward a softer run.

He’s tiring now and soon will be set free.

With thrust of net, he knows he’s been outdone.

His beauty something truly nice to see.

Deep golden yellow flank with speckles red,

And hues of blue encircling, hypnotizes.

The potent smell of forest hits my head,

As Morning mist from flowing water rises.

by Paul Stillmank

February 8, 2019