Standing on a rock
Overlooking the river below
Upstream an old man is fishing for ayu
I hope my splash does not scare away the fish
I lean forward and jump
Questions about the depth of the river
Disappear as I cut through the water
The cold water awakens my senses
I don’t appreciate the freedom that youth brings
At least not at this moment
On shore the old fisherman has started a fire
Fresh ayu pierced with long sharp sticks found on the shoreline
Salted on both sides
He cooks them over the fire
Each side getting their due
He hands me a savory stick
I take my first bite
The freshness of the beautiful ayu
Is only matched
By today’s memory
A wonderful time of younger days
.
Originally posted August 5, 2015
