Initiation

we drove awhile
we stopped
i watched them buy cheetos, oreos and snickers bars.

we drove some more
back,
back
into the hills
and walked even further in
along the railroad tracks

tucked in this place
i was learning all their secrets
this father and son who love to wander
seeking solitude in rushing waters
and fish to outsmart

they taught how me to tie the knots
again
lent me some of their flies
and from this place we parted
stretching ourselves
along the river

i watched my love
his strong, broad back
amble down a steep bank
and his father too, down a ways
with fly rod in hand

they dipped easy into the water
the rocks are slippery
but they know how to pull their legs
against, along, through
the cold, cold current

i found my own spot
i fished a little
mostly for flies tangled in the bushes
lots of unplanned knots
it was a beautiful day anyway

just before we left,
my father in law urged me
"one more cast"  "let's get you a fish"
sweetheart had the camera ready

lo and behold
i got a rise
i set the hook
i reeled that pretty little fish in
we hooted
we high-fived

those men
who from the start
saw my longing to go
let me tag along
even though i am a girl

they let me see
their secret nook in the mountains,
partake of their motherless lunch,
listen to stories and jokes I could tell
had been recast
many times
for many years


i love them.
i loved that day.