The Dance of The Fisherman

It was Easter Sunday. Out there in the sea was a fisherman still trying to catch some food for the day - even though the sun was setting.

These scenes (photos below) caught my attention and I was inspired to write a poem.

This is "the dance of the fisherman". Each step has a message for each of us. Each step - we must learn.


I bow down in thanksgiving
Acknowledging that a bountiful catch
Arises from a myriad causes
I will not curse empty baskets
I shall nurture the seas
I shall help make the sea teem with life 



I allow the sun to shine upon me
So that each time, when darkness falls
I have already gathered enough brightness
From within, I shall shine
And though the path may be filled with shadows
My illuminated mind shall always know the way



I welcome everyone
Alone, the sea will only be an empty space
My journey is made more meaningful
Because you are with me
Together, we acknowledge
Our connectedness and oneness with nature


I kowtow to my fellow fisherman
Not to flatter or ingratiate myself
But out of utmost respect for my fellow traveler
I share with each one, the sea - 
my family is as important as other families
Humankind is as important as other creatures
The sea is as important as the sky, the birds, and the sun


I cast my nets in your presence
I know that you will respect my space
And that I, too, have to respect your space
We understand that when the waters get rough
We can cross the boundaries and go beyond ourselves
Our borders are temporary, our connectedness is unending


I sit
I will teach myself how to wait
With thanks
For each waiting moment
Is a lesson on patience
It is a lesson on tolerance and restraint


I pray
I pray for wisdom
That we will not only understand generosity
We must strive to practice kindness
Even though nature is sometimes rough on us
We have received much
And thus, we must teach our hearts how to give


I empty myself each day
My harvest is for sharing
I keep what I need
And the rest are not mine
I allow others to partake
Of the gifts of nature




--Written by: Carmela Ariza, 9:44am, 3 April 2016--

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