FISHING FOR ANSWERS

FISHING FOR ANSWERS

Fishing for answers, here in life’s stream,
Knowledge like a cancer, a bitter waking dream.
Finding out too late about all the things I lack,
Strength and ease of movement, they have gone and won’t be back.

Fishing for answers in my oversized canoe.
Separating fact from fiction, trading false for true.
Making use of tasty bait, the worm, the fly, the trusted hook,
Taking aim at the guilt and the blame, writing the final chapter and book.
Begging for a little crumb, careful not to ask for much,
Just an understanding ear, a kind and gentle touch.
A letter from the SSA, giving me the A-okay,
Manna straight from heaven, a health insurance copay.

Fishing for answers, in the heat of the day,
My blood, my sweat, my tears they fall,
Littering up the dusty way.
In the mood to graze the grass,
To eat the dirt, to raise the glass.
To swing like Tarzan from the trees,
Making mincemeat of my enemies.

Fishing for longevity, fishing for another hour,
Fishing for this grounded life to soar and open like a flower.
Fishing for the best in life, preparing for the worst,
In my rear view mirror is it my birthday or a hearse?

Fishing for an island on which to stake my claim,
A haven yet unspoken for, on which to place my name.
Sailing like a madman, over the bounding bay,
The ocean foam a pillow on which my troubles lay.

Fishing for answers, but coming up short,
Just like a lawyer who falters at court,
To the cold-hearted judge who holds a big grudge,
Holding the common man in contempt,
Leaving him bitter, unshaven, unkempt.

Fishing for answers, living with hope,
Trolling for treasure on a slick, slippery slope.
Finding out too late about all the things I lack,
I stumble from this burden I carry on my back.

Fishing for answers here in life’s stream,
Knowledge floats like cancer, a bitter waking dream.
Fishing for answers, the questions remain,
Brewing like a tropic storm, bracing for the hurricane.

-Bruce Potts
Copyright 2011
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED