Fishing In Immortal Waters

How have I been?
See, it's not easy to say:
I've been facing the reaper most every day,
fishing for life
with the last of my bait,

learning that I am no venerable great
but a clay possibility
vulnerable
awash in the chaos
of the present day

Yes, I'm facing the reaper
(there can be no mistake)
and I admit that I've been...
a profligate rake

But!
also I've fished
for great unknown beauties
in dangerous waters,
angling for greatness!
with my life at the stake