Have you ever been poaching?

Question

The Salmon Poacher

At eventide when the gloaming

enfolds him like a shroud.

The stealthy poacher is a roaming

as the Nightjar cry out load.

And the man who ventures forth

oft remains quite still.

As a hush comes from the north

his old bones feel the chill.

‘Neath Weeping Willow he bends

tickling his scaley prey.

Smiling, across lock gate he wends

in the dawn of a new day.

Answer 1

Evokes all the danger and mystery of that side of life most never encounter.  With a language that is simple -- indeed that is preponderant in Germanic rather than Latinate diction -- you paint a complicated portrait of what both frightens and fascinates.  Three stanzas, three snapshots, one minor infamy preserved for posterity, one fine poem.  You are a master storyteller!

Answer 2

It seems to me that you have had fun encroaching beyond locked gates in the cold of night. I enjoyed your poetry venture. Especially, 'neath Weeping Willow tickling scaly prey. Smiling, across lock gate in the dawn of a new day. Sneaky, hum. I see another poem there. My favorite of trees. 'Neath the Weeping Willow'.  

  

Answer 3

Ohhh, I liked this, perfect mood set, perfect length, not overstated, not understated, just exactly what was needed to convey. I really liked it!

ma

Answer 4

I feel I'm there, behind a tree, watching this play unfold and conclude.

Excellent, sir!