THE MUDFLATS

mysterious fishing

THE MUDFLATS

I settle on an old wooden bench

nearby a floating dock

the tide elevates as salt water

surges in from the sea to replenish the muddy marsh

the lowland grasses waver as the breeze kisses them

 

Three fishermen ardent for a catch

linger on end in hopes of good fortune

colorful floaters bob in the ripples

patience is the victor

yet no bites at day’s demise

 

As the sun hugs the rim of the bay

and mudflats dry to muck

fishermen nab their lines

and succumb to a rose-pink sky

 

Inclined toward drink

they regard their daily venture as regrettable

in due time they imbibe in moonshine

to mitigate their ill fortune

they lay on the dock with plenty of hilarity

while the Egrets, Blue Herons, Anhingas, Nightcaps skew then retort in cravings for more pickings

 

As the sky belabors, more lethargy from their hooch

they rest intoxicated with a snore while the quarter moon

with its own shadow and the northern star behold

only two placid torsos

 

 

 

Author's Note

Read carefully!!! Thanks for your comments!

Reviews

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Betty,

As one who was once an avid fisherman, I found this to be a very lovely write that is most enjoyable ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Marvin for a lovely review!
Best, B

[andrew mitchell]

Intriguing write Betty, rich in imagery and poetic style leaving the reader to ponder on one fisherman who appears to be missing.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Andrew for a thoughtful review!
Best, B

[rmarrwrites]

Loved this poem. I live on the outskirts of a seaside town, and evening by the water seems particularly magical.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for stopping by to review my poem
Best, Betty

[Lisasview]

Oh my dearest Betty, what a wonderful interesting poem you have written.
Behind the words are so many inspiring metaphors...really enjoyed reading this today as I sit down (finally) to read and write...
Days, get away from me...always too much to do...
Lisa

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Lisa, belated thank you for a fine review
All the best,
B.

[Lisasview]

You are so welcome dear Betty...
Lisa

[Tom]

I guess despite these robust, hungry and thirsty fishermen's proven experience, still, they have more to learn if a full catch is to be guaranteed, gotta read every sign as even the heavens above invite interpretation..

' As the sky belabors, more lethargy from their hooch

they rest intoxicated with a snore while the quarter moon

with its own shadow and the northern star behold

only two placid torsos '

Inspiring.. A mariner's delight! 🐠🐟🐡🦐

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Tom for a fine review! And welcome aboard!
Best, Betty

[W. Barrett Munn]

If you can’t catch them, drink them dry. I’ll drink to that.

Winston

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank Winston for your dry humor and on fine review!
Best, B

[Soren]

There is more to life than the catch. Seeing the beauty around us and enjoying camaraderie is so much more. Nicely said

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Soren for a lovely review!
Best, B

[emmajoygreen]

Hitchcock couldn't have made the happenings creepier, more mysterious, Betty. Of course, well written, worded perhaps with a touch of Poe's DNA. As at the end of the poem, you mention the moon. Maybe the third sailor wanted to visit his all-time hero and enjoy a few nights out with him?! Peerhaps. Keep safe, take care. Happy Weekend

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my friend! Yes a bit creepy, but had to make it interesting! I love your review, just perfect!
Hugs, me

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty. You created such an ambience of mystery and darkness here. Moonshine of the alcoholic type not recommended when near water for sure. The hilarity appears to have ended and a fisherman missing. Maybe the third came to a nasty end. Eaten by fish when he fell off the dock into the water or maybe the birds got him. Enjoyed the read and your marvelous descriptive lines. All the best dear poet.

[Betty Hermelee]

'Tis still a mystery Chris; many thanks for a very thoughtful review!
Best to you,
B.

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Betty:)

[Lorry]

What happened to the third, did he meet his maker under the influence of exaggeration.. I mean intoxication?
Isn't it part of the fisherman's way to drink and exaggerate the size of their catch that got away?
The only time I went fishing was as a kid and drink nearly killed me too. Too many drunk adults led me to fall in the sea and that day I found out how useless grown ups were, when instead of diving in to save me, they dangled their fishing rods for me to grab hold of! It's not howw they tell it of course, hearing them tell it, it was moby dicks big brother that caused it! 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

You're just full of imagination Lorry! Thanks dear friend for a clever review!
Best, B