Searching for Love on the Deschutes River
He floats, riding rapids of his imagination. Next, stumbles
rocky banks. Disregards the easy spots
to cast a line. Hungry for a dream just out of sight
where light meets
the invitation of shadow. Wades deep in fast water. Swings
rod. Sends the fly (a hook disguised)
to riffle’s edge. Quarry complies. Takes the lure. An easy catch? Water
roils. Brilliant red side flashes,
fights, dives, thrashes. Breaks the leader. Leaves him longing, lonely,
shaking in an ice fed river.
Judge’s comments:
His/her careful and extensive use of action verbs make this a poem of concentrated movement. A poem about the attempt to catch an elusive fish and the keen disappointment over its loss is aptly symbolic of life’s defeats.
Mark Fryburg
Mark Fryburg formerly practiced journalism, public relations and flight instruction. At age 72, he found new passion in poetry and live-audience storytelling. Mark picked up first place in Poetry Society of Virginia’s 2024 “Sense of Place” category, Honorable Mention in Passager’s 2024 national contest, and 3rd Honorable Mention, OPA New Poets Category, 2023. This Eugene, Oregon, native maintains dual citizenship with Virginia, where he now resides with his bride Laura, and two pups.