The Answered Call by James D O'Brien

It is early, the sun yet to
Climb its path over the mountains ridge.
They say fishing is better this time of day
But that’s not what brings me
To This best of all fishing places.

Alone, with only nature’s distractions,
I traverse this little-used path,
Stumbling at times ever closer to
The source of rumbling sound.
This sound, generated by the unchanging fall
Of water down a seemingly unyielding
Bed, bending this mighty flow
Into this slithering liquid serpent.

Sometimes it calls to me, this place where
Nature and I commune,
And I come to learn what this
Magical place has to say.

Now, at the water’s edge, I sit,
And threaten the river’s
Hidden trophies with hook and worm.
Content with my best effort, I smile
Wondering what profound thing might
Come to me, here in this wilderness
Where sometimes, the Spirit whispers.

What have you for me, I think with my mind’s voice,
But nothing.
Only the rumblings of the river,
The buzzing sound of some darting bug,
And my thought returns to the pole tip
Standing perfectly still, yet anticipating.

The sun now fully in view, my shadow
Spills into the water’s edge,
And again I ask, “Have you a message for me?”
I mutter aloud this time.

Hours pass and my butt is numb.
I have changed the worms, explored the
Various parts of this river’s pool,
And I’ve listened with all my soul
For what I might have learned.

Finally, disappointment furrowing my brow,
I pull in my line, store my gear
And stand, shaking my leg
For numbness sake.

Before trudging back the winding path,
I turn to the river, pole in hand
And said, “I thought you wanted something.
Perhaps next time.”

Then turning, I take a step and then,
heard that voice I had hoped to hear.
“Dave,” the voice said softly.
I turned, “Yes,” I answered.

It was still for a moment, the river
Sounds barely audible as I waited.
Then,

“I just wanted you to sit with
Me for a while. I love you,”
The voice whispered.

I smiled, “I love you too -- Thank you!”
I added, then made my way home.
A tear followed others as I
Again, realized that
God really does love me.
Then I smiled again,
Glad to have answered the call.

© James O’Brien
June 2009