The Prayer of the Pike

Wonderful poetry yet again San. I've been toying with a pike poem myself and would have been delighted to come up with something as good as this one of yours. I must say I was expecting a salmon reference to creep in and you didn't disappoint; its inclusion is the perfect foil to off-set the understated beauty of the pike. The salmon may hold the ground when it comes to glitz and glamour but the pike is the preeminent custodian of the fresh-water world. Excellent yet again and leaves me wanting more.

I like this very much but have personally never thought of a pike as a lump... I have always wondered about creatures that live and hunt in muddy water - how could one be content, though they clearly are.

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Some years ago whilst sailing down the River Shannon we noticed signs every hundred yards asking us not to fish for pike. Who would want to do so? They taste of mud. We soon found out. Most of the other boats were manned by German people and every single one of them were fishing for pike, despite the signs. It is, apparently, a delicacy in Germany. Ho Hum...

The whole of Ireland generaly but The Shannon in particular is renowned for legendary pike. Funny really, I caught one last week on the river at the bottom of the field. It was a beauty too. Hughes was spot on with his description of them having "a malevolent aged grin" (sorry if I misquoted). Congratulations on the pick of the day San - thoroughly deserved!

I really like this - last line is fantastic parting image -enjoyed.

Wonderful poem. Deserves...more than, its accolades. Tina

Subtlety is your forte, indeed, San. Great catch of the day. If you'll pardon a poor pun. Rich

I have now read all three of your posts sans. And I have enjoyed each one. Regards and look forward to reading more.