some cast lines into swift rivers
or vast seas of uncertainty

while others throw nets toward
rich stores of earthly treasure

ships piloted by the heart,
steer in fruitless pursuit
of elusive schools of love

a doughty fool forever waits
to harpoon longshot luck
a happenstance filled fate

Godly men cast nets
among flocks of people,
for they alone produce the
bountiful yields of bursting nets

for sons of Jonah and Ahab
a fruitless watch is foretold
self love’s only triumph
is a loveless end

remain a solitary fisher
gliding by on birch bark canoe
minding a compass of faith

Taj Mahal
Fishin Blues

jbm
NYC
4/9/89