An Ode to The Beast

Rubbing my eyes, I come out of my sleep.
No one's awake so I'm careful to creep.
I gather my gear and open the door
Then ease down the stairs and head to the shore.

In the crystal clear darkness I walk on the sand
While the lapping of waves plays on like a band.
They're in time with the beat in a rhythm unending
Leading me to the battle I'll soon be contending.

The sea breeze is gentle and kisses my face.
The salt air and I join in a friendly embrace.
I take off my sandals to show my respect
To the place where two forms of nature connect.

With the moon and the stars brightly lighting my path,
I wade through the shallows which are as warm as a bath.
I can make out the rocks, now I am close to the pass.
Beyond the shore break, the sea is like glass.

I choose my position and ready my nerve
I patiently wait and keenly observe.
The darkness is fading and soon I'll have sight
As the sun breaks the surface and provides me with light.

First come the birds, on the surface they glide
Scanning to see what's come in with the tide.
Now I can see small fish at my feet,
Conditions are perfect, my plan is complete.

There's sunrise behind and shadows ahead,
Soon now the king will want to be fed.
I see the first fin, then several, then more
It’s hard to believe they're this close to the shore.

Back and forth they run, swirling through bait,
The moment is right, no longer I wait.
I cast out my lure, and steady my hand
Then a tug and zing and we both make our stand.

I pull back to hook him, and encounter his strength.
He leaps from the water and exposes his length.
I have only a blink to admire his size,
Before he submerges and again is disguised.

One jump, and another, and once yet again,
One hundred plus pounds of gill, scale, and fin.
He continues to run and pull out my line.
It’s a battle of wills, his against mine.

In a flash it is over, my line loosens offshore.
Today I will wrestle the monster no more.
I have lost my fight with the big sliver king,
But I dream of the battle tomorrow will bring.