I've done, I do, pray right or wrong
though old these bones, I get along.
By water's edge where lilies groom
my yawning morn in aging bloom.
Embracing wakes yon cob and pen
in quietude through rippled Zen.
Such love declared; the faiths insist
to clear one's eyes of morning's mist.
Of beauties deep as sky is high
o'er lake where swift and damselfly.
On wing and light in wild displays
as if to woo a lover's praise.
A breeze to waltz the noble reeds
and catch their gentle falling seeds.
Tomorrow's life, a day anew
when yester-dreams come breathing through.
A sat a bank with rod and line
to cast into the deep sublime.
I skilled in ways, the ways of fate,
a patient skill for I must wait.
Unwearied yet in want succumb
to every ripple, beat and hum.
A floating leaf, a web in ruins,
a clapping dove, a warbler croons.
'Tis sudden when the reel’s in spin,
'twixt trout and man and all within.
Our beating hearts to time and tide,
who flows, who ebbs, whose hopes denied?
Of hawks when talons deep in flesh;
the cuckoo in another's creche.
The grazing herds, the stalking dogs,
the farmers scythe and fattened hogs.
The butcher’s apron stained with blood,
whilst preachers preach the wrath of God.
The teacher keeping track of time,
old bards about their daily rhyme.
Young soldiers marching four by four,
the taxman’s calling door to door.
The madding crowds are at the gates,
the talk of war between the states.
The city streets in seething din,
drop a coin in the beggar’s tin.
The private yachts are out at sea,
a call girl’s met her destiny.
And here I am, what I’m about,
pray hope I land my breakfast trout.
Sometimes I think I’m nearly done,
yet still I live as day is young.
This morning is for all I am,
the atheist, the holy man.
Come one and all, my friends, this day;
let’s keep it true, pray, what you say?
-
Author:
Tony Grannell (
Offline) - Published: July 11th, 2025 08:26
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 13
- Users favorite of this poem: Bella Shepard, sorenbarrett, Cheeky Missy, Poetic Licence, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments8
Most wonderful poem Tony, absolutely somewhere anyone would want to be. 🕊️🙏🏻
...and it's about thirty years since I was there and I still long to go back. Thank you very much, arqios, most kind of you indeed.
Do take care now,
Tony.
And I haven' actually fished in the last 25 years. I do miss it! Perks of desert dwelling.🎣🙏🏻🕊️
As I read aloud I fall in love with each beautiful, lyrical line. Such wonderful words flow from the simple act of casting a line. Thank you for this beautiful way to start the day!
Hello Bella,
Well, what more can a poet ask for, to start one's day with beauty. Thank you ever so much.
You are keeping well, I trust,
Tony.
I am keeping very well these days, thank you. I walk every morning as dawn breaks, I don't listen to the news and I sing in the car. Oh, and I have all these wonderful friends in this lovely space. What more could a girl ask for?
Another fave Tony I have no idea about other sites but your poems deserve far broader exposure. This poem of the thoughts of a fisherman of the world around him from close to far country to city, people common to poor comes to close with the last few lines. We all are in the end concerned with our next meal and those that we sit with to dine. As for prayers take it or leave it a nice habit but few really believe.
Hello, Soren,
That a great way of putting it, prayers, it's a nice habit. The older I get the more I believe in the science of biology, Ive always been a reader and observer of the subject. Down on my knees, not in prayer but looking at a ladybird, centipede or some other fascinating creature. Your response I hold with great esteem and very much appreciated.
Easy on the spirits now,
Tony.
Spirits only with others that can lift them
I cannot say anymore then what has already said, for me as a bog standard writer your works are such a pleasure to read, and I learn alot from them. This was a beautiful write
Don't be so hard on yourself. I find, not alone your poetry but your wisdom and humour to be wholly excellent - truly.
Always a joy when you drop by, most kind of you and then some.
Fond regards,
Tony.
You are very welcome
Tony, this is breathtaking. I’ve read a lot of poetry on this site, but you, my friend, are always on another level. The craft here is masterful—the rhythm, the turn of phrase, the effortless glide between pastoral peace and worldly reckoning. This…this is poetry that remembers the soul and that the soul remembers. Thank you for continuing to share your gift, dear friend. I hope all is well. 🌹👏
Hello, Tristan,
Such a reply finds me overwhelmed and on a high. What more can I say but thank you ever so much. Inspiring.
Wishing you the very best,
Tony.
You are most welcome! Thank you for inspiring me! All the best to you as well, dear friend!
What a rollicking tale. Lets pray indeed. Very enjoyable well constructed peace.Excellent.
Hello, David,
Great to hear from you again and your fine response is very much appreciated.
You are in good health, I trust,
Tony.
Fishing lines I see as poetic lines here. (you'll get no fancy stuff about metaphor from me!😜) And you reel them in with absolute dexterity. Wish I had half that skill.
Hello, Dave,
That's a great observation, fishing lines as poetic lines trying to land a verse - excellent, my good fellow.
Delighted you dropped by and your words are very much appreciated.
Do take care now,
Tony.
Nothing good about me, matey - watch your language...........
i say -Amen - to this wonderful reflective verse..
very well written
Thank you ever so much, Nafisa most kind of you indeed.
Wishing you, all the best,
Tony,
thanks a ton - I wish you the same too
have a great weekend
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