Fish Poem Poem by Howard Steng

my father curses
there would be no fish
then a bite draws out the line
spools spin a feverish run
the hook pierces
where nostrils would be
draw release draw release
easy the tear
but he fights fervently
back and forth under in circles
draw release reeling in
the mate runs over
club in hand SMASH
he dashes the skull
the fish flips over
smacks the side of the hull
smash again the gray
green spotted thorax
one eye staring at a bright sun
on the deck flung with cold waters
his foot on its throat
a drawn out stench
spurts of blood paint the cabin wall
and puddles at the gaff
now hooked under the gill
with a thicker medal
my father's eyes grow large with joy
the curse is broken
with one final huff
expanse and quick release
the mate reconciles the life of the fish
some tossed for chum
the rest into burlap bags head first
one last time a small twitch
on the boat ride back
engine fumes add nausea