Between current and still

A trout’s pliant, stout body

Speckled with the most brilliant
of amber

His back reminiscent of the hard granite he hovers over

A brook trout in a lone Canadian stream

Shrouded by the soft ripples,

Until a midge or a caddis fly floats past his mottled frame

The trout indulges on these insects often, but this is different

A fly angler has stumbled upon this often unseen gem

And among a gorgeous fall backdrop

A fly fisherman has landed his first trout of the evening

With intent of release the trout is gently raised from the net

This trout’s body spattered with the triumphant colors

Of this late fall day,

Condensation dripping off white tipped fins

Plopping onto soft orange pine needles

An emergent brook trout

Guided by a gentle human hand.

Returning to the everclear depths,

His reflective essence of hues

Continues out of sight

Out of mind

Out of thought