A Leap of Faith

Gold cherry

By luigi_pagano

Thu, 03 May 2018
  • 2484 reads
10 comments
 

 

 

One has to admire salmon
for their determination
and the trust in themselves
to reach their destination. 

To go back to the birthplace
is their ultimate dream;
they pursue that objective
by leaping upstream. 

It is said homing cues
are purely olfactory
and pinpointing the spot
is most satisfactory. 

What cannot be guessed
is the danger they'll face
as they battle the rapids
in a gruelling race. 

The run up the river,
many miles in length,
is full of obstacles
and can sap one's strength. 

It is a true marathon.
and navigation is hard;
skilled predators in wait
are an added hazard. 

The faith is unshakable
but the outcome unsure
yet the anadromous fish
cannot resist the lure. 

© Luigi Pagano 2018

 

Certificate U
Poetry Monthly
Mutevoli pensieri

Comments

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

They are admirable creatures - wish I could be as motivated.  Great poem Luigi.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks Helen. Your comment is much appreciated.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Built with the abilites and awareness of its abilities as well as homing instinct for those leaps. You managed to get me looking up and learning (hopefully) a new word again, Luigi. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

They are remarkable creatures, Rhiannon. I too keep learning new words every day.
Thanks for reading and commenting.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

Wow! Thanks for that word, Luigi. I thought it referred to a pop star from the early 1970s, but couldn't see the link. :)

Nice craft. I was reading a couple of Hemingway's short stories the other night. You called them to mind with this. Congratulations on a great pick!

Parson Thru

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Kevin. I believe that the pop star to whom you refer was Greek and so is the word and that is the only link.
​It is heartening that every now and then a poem of mine hits the mark and having been chosen as a pick of the day is very special.
​Thanks for reading and for the kind feedback.

Cheers, Luigi.
 

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

Your poems are always a great read, Luigi. David Bowie. Not anadromous but not far off. :)

Parson Thru

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

yes Ta.

 

Submitted by mickleinapickle on

We had salmon and rice for tea, strangely enough. Enjoyed the read, Luigi.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Mick. Another proof of their hazardous journey and vulnerability. They never envisaged that our table would be the destination. Yet their misfortune is our delectation.

Bon appetit.