By HAROLD KELLER

In 1964, a friend of mine, who was a graduate of Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, realizing that I had three young children, sent me the following poem. It was written by Day Yeager of the Pennsylvania Angler in August 1961, and published in the Louisiana Conservationist. I hope that it touches someone like it did me.

COMPANIONSHIP AT LAST!

When God gave me a little boy
I vowed that I’d ensure
His every need and every want
And make his life secure.

I set a pace that left no time
For idleness or wishing
No foolish squander of my time
On wasteful things like fishing.

I felt quite proud of my results
Until one day he spurned
My latest gift, a brand-new bike,
Stood as I placed it, wheels unturned.

I searched for him until I found
Him sitting by the brook,
Passing time with an ill-dressed man
And baiting up a hook.

I listened quietly as he spoke,
“Hey, Dad, you have a bite.
Gee, this is ever so much fun
To have you here tonight.”

My puzzled heart turned cold inside:
Had someone filled my place?
I took another look to find
The stranger had no face.

The boy had propped my fishing hat
And coat upon a pole,
To take my place upon the bank
Of the old fishing hole.

I grieved to think that I had been
Replaced by apparition.
Then and there, I learned the truth
‘Bout boys and dads and fishing.

I took my place beside the boy,
My heart welled up with shame,
“I’m sorry that I’m late,” I said.
“I’ve no one else to blame.”

I donned the fishing hat and coat
And felt relieved to find,
They fit a man who’d just grown up
In stature and in mind.

“I hope you haven’t caught them all.”
He looked at me with glee.
“No, Dad, I’ve always put them back
‘Till you could fish with me.”

Note: Loneliness is one of the biggest problems in America today. Let’s try, starting in our families, to eliminate it.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.