Fishing

I

My heart is empty and starving for more
fish that are swimming around in the deep
But waters are thin and unlike before
you have to release what you used to keep
Not if you're planning to carry it home
and give it a place to live and be free
Locked out by boundaries? How is that freedom?
It's better than being alone in the sea
of shiny, silver, sparkling, sharp, curved hooks
Or compassionless predators waiting
to lure you closer for a second look
while your sense of innocence is fading
Patient fatigue summons one home today
but a lack of fear will send it away

II

Kneeling down, peering deep into the glare
of reflected sun in the water's eye
Carefully recounting each fish by pairs
until I feel my numbers going blind
There is one loner --a small hidden sight
with greys and blues -- like rainbow hues
And my mind screams, He has poison inside!
But I'm already trying to seduce
him into my net, where I can closely
inspect and examine every part
of his body that defines him mostly
strong gills to breathe, and shading like art
But I am drawn to his strange liquid breath
Knowing one taste will surely bring me death

III

Stop caring so much. Unfortunately
whatever you feel just cast it away
I'm not fishing for emotional meat
baited and switched by your passionless play
No more tears and rain upon lonely seas
Lightning waves echo "Electric Alone."
Family and friends acid streaked memories;
faceless, blank photos as I sink and drown
See that stone over there, its bold, hard strength
Place your foot on the top -- feel what it's like
to stand in judgment over someone's faith
Or climb up a hill you weren't meant to hike
The salt air is grey and danger lurks near
Should I stay and fish?  "Not really." That's clear.