Going Fishing

I have waited all winter just for this,
to finally be in a restful bliss.
I got my tackle, check and tent and ready to go,
just waiting for the wife and kids, there slow.
I bolt the car out of the drive and head straight for gas,
get on the freeway and while talking to my wife I miss my pass.
I go down a few miles to look for an exit to turn back,
then the kids decide to have a potty attack.
I pull the car over and wait for them to be done,
and look up to see if we still have the sun.
We finally arrive, now its time to set up the tent,
by the time the poles are up and my hand hurts, I am bent.
Flustered by all that has been done,
I place my rod in the lake only to find there is no sun.
I wake up at the crack of dawn to fish,
only to have wife yell that we don't have not one dish.
I throw the pole down in disgust and start the car,
before long I realize the map is in camp and we know not where we are.
Road to road there we go trying to find a way out,
and all I want to do is shout.
Finally an old man with a tractor asks us if were lost,
but as the turtle moves it's daytime that is our cost.
Finally I see the treasure at the end of my quest,
I pay for the paper plate hoping to be fishing and at rest.
I tell my kids to move like they have life,
and then one tells me he lost my fishing knife.
OK this could be rectified with just one transaction,
then my card is run through with a negative reaction.
I pay for it all with my last fifty spot,
and pound the gas pedal to get off the lot.
My son holds on to the seat seeing his dad has gone out of his mind,
and whispers slow down as the dust settles from behind.
I get back by half past two
knowing just what to do.
I grab my rod and reel and head straight for the water,
then my wife, asks can I chop wood so it will make it hotter.
I shake my head and put the axe in her hand,
and she demands I do it or die where I stand.
Two hours, hands sore and sweat running down my brow
and the question of fishing on this day is how.
Now it's six hours in the day,
and I am distracted again to my dismay.
The pans have not been packed with the rest,
I ask my wife please your saying this in jest.
She shakes her head and hands me the key,
I tell her, just let me see.
Not a pan in sight or mind,
but we do have some tin foil I had behind.
I give it to her and tell her to make do,
for I am going fishing now with or without you.

Written By
Robert Lee Niswander
Copyright 2004

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