Fisherman Free

The seagulls spread their graceful wings
To greet another day
As my trap skiff takes me from the harbour
And out into the bay

My nets are set from headland
Out to the breaking shoal
To wrest a living from the sea
That is my ultimate goal

As a fisherman I'm nurtured
On briny milk from this island's breast
With full cod traps from day to day
With riches I am blessed

But I've had my share of empty nets
And food scarce as can be
And heard plenty from her briny lips
As she uttered “Free Oh Free&

John Cornick
Halifax, Nova Scotia
April 20, 2016