Dapple-Green, Plump Shouldered Bass

A Found Poem by Beverly Stock

Of all the gracious gifts of Spring,

Is there another can safely surpass,

This meaty, voluptuous thing--

The dapple-green, plump shouldered bass?

The ancients loved this noble fish,

And coming from the kitchen fire,

All piping hot upon a dish,

What raptures he did inspire!

Ah, hefty monarch of the flood--

How often have I cast for you--

How often sadly seen you scud,

Where weeds and pussy willows grew!

So, were he living, he should say

He gladly died for me and mine,

And, if it was his native spray,

He’d dump the sauce-And use the wine!

I would it were ordained for me

To share your fate, oh finny friend!

I surely were not loath to be

Reserved for such a noble end.

And if your stock of Rhone runs low,

However much I might repine,

I think I might survive the blow,

If plied with some Burgundian wine.

My found poem combines my words with those in “The Fisherman’s Feast,” a poem by Eugene Field, which is in the public domain.

Beverly Stock is an American poet who delights in creating poetry that asks big questions about small moments, and inspires readers to revisit the little memories we so often overlook. Her work has been published by The Society of Classical Poets, The Chained Muse, Persimmon Tree, and LightenUp Online, in the UK. Visit BeverlyStockPoetry.com and BeverlyStockPoetry on Facebook.