I came across this poem by Roderic Quinn which, today, I thought I’d share just for its own sake.
I took a boat on a starry night
and went for a row on the water,
and she danced like a child on a wake of light
and bowed where the ripples caught her.
I vowed as I rowed on the velvet blue
through the night and the starry splendour
to woo and sue a maiden I know
till she bent to my pleading tender.
My painted boat she was light and glad
and gladder my heart was wishing,
and I came in time to a little lad
who stood on the rocks a-fishing.
I said “Ahoy!” and he said “Ahoy”!
and I asked how the fish were biting;
And what are you trying to catch my boy,
Bream, silver and red – or Whiting?”
“Neither”, he answered, “the seaweed mars
my line and the sharp shells sunder;
I am trying my luck with those great big stars
down there in the round skies under”.
“Goodbye!” from him and “Goodbye!” from me,
and never a laugh came after;
so many fishing for stars in the sea
that it’s hardly a subject for laughter
Wondering Pilgrim 