FALL FISHING 



Before the bracing wind that chafes the lake 

 The deadened, swaying birches bend and break. 



Alone I man my boat and briskly go 

 To quiet bays that now the guides forsake, 



And marvel at the splendors as I row. 

 Above me, honking squadrons southward fly 

 And autumn flaunts her plumage to the sky; 



The trees are like hussars upon parade 

 Ere yet the slothful summer passes by 



And wafts a lazy kiss to him who stayed. 



The forest creatures feel the coming test 

 And fill the hidden caches by their nest; 



The silver fish that flashes from his lair 

 Has sensed the changing season like the rest 



And fain would taste the pungent fighting air. 

 In such a way no gamy things endure 

 I make the cast and jerk the gaudy lure, 



'Till comes the sudden swish the lashing sign 

 That tells me something's struck it, swift and sure - 



A frenzied water wild-cat on the line ! 



Ye men who crave the whip-like rush and feel 

 Of mighty fish that spin the humming reel, 



250 



