This is a poem customized from the
words and reflections of a Father to a Son for his birthday. This young man
is also my nephew.

November 17, 2006

Happy Birthday, Eric.
You are 26 today.
Here are some fine fishing reflections
to celebrate your way.
For memory, for posterity, for nostalgia sake,
from our New Almaden Creek
to Calero Lake.

Once my toddling baby
by our babbling brook,
on that magical day
a record Rainbow I'd hooked.
Too close to the bank;
too much line to reel.
Soon the flying fish
right on your bellie you'd feel.

Then came the big sleep over
with everyone gathered 'round.
I got five of you sleepyheads
up with the dawn
for a great day of lake fishing
and unbelievable fun!
First baiting, then casting,
then a tell-tale nibble to win;
by the end of the day
we had at least 12 reeled in!

Now, as Ariel got married,
our rushing waters called you back--
first a wedding cameraman,
then two Rainbow trout in your pack.

Some day you will have children,
or neighborhood squirts of your own
awaiting their dreams
and the big wide world to be shown.
They will look to your for guidance
and how grand life can be.
May you pass such days on to them
like my dad did for me.