Through the pines and the one maple I hear her.

I shouldn’t have gone fishing if I didn’t know how to fish.

I shouldn’t have gone fishing if I didn’t know how to fish.

There she stands

legs impossibly long

pink and black polka dot swimsuit baggy

pole in her hands

and a little oval sunfish impossibly on her hook.

I don’t tell her, but I do think

Oh, sweet girl, life is always like that.

Fishing before you know how to fish.

Leaving before you know how to leave.

Speaking before you know how to speak.

Fighting before you know how to fight.

Loving before you know how to love.

Dying before you know how to die.

We are all the child with the pole

worrying about who we’ve hurt.

And we are all the fish on the hook,

hoping for mercy.

Her aunt hears her muttering prayer

and though she hasn’t unhooked a fish in 30 years

grabs the wriggling innocent in her hands

and dislodges metal from cheek.

And this, too, is all of us.

Saved again and again by prayer we didn’t know we were saying

and a witness we forgot was listening.

A brief musing from Anny: A meaningful lesson emerges in the midst of a forest painted with pines and a lone maple tree, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability and understanding our journey through life. The repetition of "I shouldn't have gone fishing if I didn't know how to fish" captures our innocence and eagerness when stepping into life's unknowns.

The image of a child with a fishing pole encourages us to contemplate our natural curiosity and our approach to life, often without a full grasp of what lies ahead. The emotions and actions described in the poem reveal the complexity of being human, with each part of ourselves carrying distinct needs, fears, and desires.

The poem gently prompts us to recognize the common struggle of self-criticism as we navigate life's uncertainties. It tells a universal story of growth, learning, and occasional missteps, urging us to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding. It encourages us to accept our imperfections and move forward on our journey with grace, understanding that we are all continually evolving and learning.

In essence, the poem invites us to reflect on our shared humanity, acknowledging that we all experience the journey of learning and making mistakes. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, both for ourselves and for others. The poem softly reminds us that on this journey, we all seek mercy, understanding, and the comforting presence of compassion to navigate the intricate tapestry of life.