you must detach
yourself
from the dream of the fish
the Buddhists say
if you are to be a fisher.
everything you catch
then
will be treasure(d).

tonight
i stand by the shore
and open my hands.

once cherished
hopes, yearnings, dreams
– and she who held them –
bob gently in the twilight
drifting away
in the current of my tears.

i pray, for bravery.

perhaps, one day
I’ll cast another line.