Outside Observations #3
Hip deep in the cold current of the Lower Illinois River just below Tenkiller Dam near the thriving metropolis of Gore, Oklahoma, I imbibe a full breath of crisp air.
I see them. Two rainbow trout loitering in a small eddy just beneath the canopy of a large tree clinging to the bank. With a modicum of precision, I cast the #12 Adams fly onto the surface of the stream and allow it to float into the slow swirl of water. Again and again, I cast and recast. For the longest time, they ignore my offerings much as a smug cat might ignore its least favorite family member.
Finally, I see the rise, set the hook, and guide the wily trout into my net. Looking into the trout’s eyes, I slide the barbless hook out of its mouth as we regard each other carefully. Then, I release it back into the chilly water.
Even if I didn’t catch any fish, I still got to do one of my favorite things in the world…stand in a river.
No hurry. No worry. No division. No fighting.
In this river, I only experience peace, quiet, and harmony.
I will return to work, to service, to the euphoria and stress of life in all of its complexities. But for this day, I am refueling, replenishing my soul…
Standing in a river.
Worth Repeating
The solution to any problem — work, love, money, whatever — is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be.
~John Gierach
