He chose his spot well
for what he was trying to catch,
gathered his rod and reel,
fishing line, hooks, and bait.
He curled the bait onto a hook with a smile,
and with controlled anticipation,
cast his line toward her.
He was patient, could see that
she might not be interested,
reeled in his line, cast again,
and again, ever closer.
She worried her lip, unsure.
There can be danger in feeding one’s hunger.
But she was hungry, very hungry,
and in a fragile moment, she snapped at his bait.
He pulled back, set the hook,
kept the tension as he reeled her in.
When she faltered and fought,
he let out more line, reeled her in some more
with his loving words and encouragement,
let out more line when she doubted,
when the conversations were troublesome,
but soon the ache was pure and unsatisfied,
and she relaxed her fighting heart, let him pull her close.
But when she saw
the net dipping under her, the trap set,
she turned and bolted, twisting, squirming,
mouth gaping, heart pounding,
until she threw the hook in a splash of blood.
And that is when he lost her.
