To The North Pond:   REQUIESCAT IN PACE   (or:  After Cremation I Go Swimming)

You saw me first, nary three feet tall,
A broken fish rod in my hand,
A wee scared lad who had answered the call
To explore your waters and land.
 
I've travelled since then to many a shore,
From Ontario's wilderness,
To the Rockies where snow driven waters roar,
To the Great Smokies timelessness.
 
I've fished the high mountains, plateaus and deep valleys,
Fished the waters from salty to clear,
Always searching for corners in pristine alleys,
Where my life could stand still without fear.
 
Yes, fear is the word and, my God, how I loath it;
But carry it with me I do.
Fear of life, fear of death I freely submit
Is a male Chauvinistic taboo.
 
But, it's been there within me since I was a wee one
And first took "a pee" on your shore.
And hopefully now that my time is done
I'll find peace in your waters galore.
 
So drop me in gently, my Daughter, my Dear
Let my ashes flow quickly downstream.
Let me mingle forever in watery cheer
In the depths of this Fisherman's dream.