The Fisherman

The Fisherman

The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
everyone else has gone home.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
the odds are against him.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
it seems the prize is furthest away.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
he is willing to forsake is comfort and take the greatest risk.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
he stands firm in the midst of the storm.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
he chooses to sit in the boat, not abandon ship.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch when
he finds a refuge even in the greatest  downpour.
The fisherman hauls in the greatest catch because...
he waits, because he stays, becuase he sits in the storm.
Because he sits through the storm.

This afternoon I drove to Lexington in the rain.  It was nice. 
I drove down to the water just to sit and read.
I looked up and watched a young fisherman walking to the pier.
He and I were the lone water-keepers. 
I admired him for heading to the water, maybe to seek the
same solitude I sought. 
Even in the rain.