THE BIG CATCH

The fishermen

stood on the quay

with knotted nets

slipping through

their gnarled fingers,

glistening fish

pulled to the surface,

in the cold wind.

Hard lives lived

by men

in yellow slickers

and big boots,

who gathered the catch

in early morning mists,

and late night chills,

and summer rains.

Danger never far away,

perilous rocks,

high winds and

fishing quotas never far

from ending

the whole thing,

right there,

no more fish in the sea.

The fishermen haul up

their big catch

from the deep depths

of the dwindling seas,

for the posh restaurants

and the humble table,

a fresh catch

on a cold dock.

©Roisin Duffy

TITLE: THE BIG

CATCH

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