Adult Poetry - Third Place

The South Simcoe Arts Council has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers of all ages, in all genres through its Creative Works Writing Contest since 2016.

We are excited to share the winners writings with you. Enjoy!

This award is sponsored by
Gary and Dian Bowers.

Dream and Pray

It's all we ever did
from canoe or skiff
sitting on tea stained lakes
or standing on emerald banks

Each line cast
a well rehearsed prayer
every lure chosen
a charm devoted to luck alone

The silver ghosts
gliding just under surface
offering majestic taunting leaps
to ridicule tawdry effort

They demanded sacrifices
always those of comfort first
wether boat back
or bug bites a plenty

Endure early morning May chill
the furnace of July afternoon
Aprils unheralded snows
Novembers cold pelting rain

Even then you could fail
with every raised hope offered
by submerged stick
or cursed at stump or stone

Every lost baited hook
each shiny bobble brake off
lamented but necessary
the reluctant ritual of sacrifice

Prayers offered up to saint croix
have the dream of levitation realized
the line hold strong and sound
the stallion kept confined to stable

Heart pounds as ghost manifests
the line tightens to taut
battle hard pitched struggle
feeling gratitude as you are landed

Then quickly measured
this mighty minnow
soon to be savage great white
depending on who relates the tale

Gently lowered from boat
off bank or pebbled shore
happy to give piscatorial prisoner
an early release