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black boat blues (Free verse) by textrous
_salt fishing will rot a fresh water pole_
it doesn't matter if you clean it afterward
the damage is in the exposure and
it's already done
_keep your worms in the cooler on a hot day_
put the box right on top of the soda cans because if
they sink down into the water, they'll drown;
these are sandworms and fresh water's poison to them
_don't mind the guts; they can't feel it_
just hold them firmly and thread them up
over the hook, like you were putting on a tube sock
_watch for phosphorescence in the water at night_
i've been going out after second shift
to check my lines. someone cut them
_never touch another man's traps_
i caught him, poaching, last night
and fired warning shots. he didn't see
me coming; my lights were out
_clean and stow your gear when you're done_
leave everything like you found it
and there'll be no questions asked
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