Fishing

It might have looked like a fishing trip

But I was really hunting

I might have looked like a pampered princess

But I was really a huntress

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When Daddy woke me before the sun

I began to circle my prey

When I jumped in the old grey truck with a smile

I began to lull my prey

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I didn't squirm like the worm on the hook

I kept my eyes on the prize

I didn't grow impatient and whine while we waited

I kept my focus on the win

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When the fish tugged on the line I held tight

I let him help me just enough

He braced me while I struggled to reel it in

But let me prove my stuff

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I slipped the hook from the mouth of the fish

Keeping my goal in sight

I carried the fish without flinch or grimace

Making my aim just right

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When I posed for the camera with my catch of the day

I was still on the hunt closing in

When I told Grampa I caught all the big ones

My hunt drew nigh to the end

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When Daddy came home with the photos to brag

I snapped the trap shut on my prey

Then he talked of his fine fishing buddy with pride

But I caught more than fish that day

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I proved I was more than just gingham and curls

I captured his heart and much more

On a trip with Dad to the lake four decades ago

I caught all I needed for life

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He taught me to fish so I’d never go hungry

While I caught his faith in my skill

He taught me to be brave, not squirm at the worms

While I caught his courage in strife

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He taught me to be patient and do hard things

While I caught his will to never give up

He taught me to value time more than money

While I caught his generosity and love

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Now I no longer have to fish for compliments

Or hunt for acceptance from others

I keep his teachings tucked in my tackle box

And my catch close in my quiver