I’m looking outside right now at a nice sunny warm day from my home office in Fort Collins, wishing I was out fishing. I’ve not had a chance to do much of either of these things: fishing or sitting at my desk. My family and I have been working through exhaustion to keep our relatively new
coffee shop afloat amid this current situation affecting everyone.
The shop is a definite distraction, both good and bad. In one way it is a stress figuring out how to operate in this new scene. But in other ways it is a benefit: connecting with people who come in to grab a joe to go.
We see folks who are worried, some are hanging on to happy, others a bit angry, and most are just in a suspended state hoping for the best. But one thing is definite, it’s nice to get out of the house, and it’s nice to see people, even if from a safe distance.
As you can imagine, my primary suggestion for everyone is “go fishing!” I wish I could follow my own advice! Hiking and bird watching are acceptable too, but I lean towards fishing. We never get near each other, the fresh air is clean, and the exercise is important.
As days go by and things unfold we will get a clearer image of what this means to us all. At the moment we may be a bit lost. That’s OK. Just take it upon yourself to remain positive in light of it all. Spread that positivity. I can’t think of anything more prudent or practical at this time.
I couldn’t quite find anything else to say at this time, but my work session turned to writing a poem. I don’t know why, but it struck so I ran with it. Following is my Ode to the Bug.
Oh you dang stupid bugs
Why are you doing this right now?
The sun’s shining, fish are biting,
And if you just knew how
The rivers are running,
Lakes are warming, anglers wishing,
You’d quit your desire to spread.
And we’d get out fishing.
Go straight back to the hole
That one you came from would you please?
And let us wander around town
Without fear of a sneeze.
My waders are hanging
Dust clinging like lingering snow
Waiting to go wading in streams
…I hope without a hole.
My boat is still covered
Not for avoiding infection
But waiting to be hitched up and
Drive to an inspection
Ice gear remains in sled
Hoping for a trip up hill
But given the time I’m lacking
That hope may be for nil
So you dang stupid bugs
Won’t you just quit while you’re ahead?
Call it good and stop this nonsense
And put our fears to bed.
I would rather be out
Picking tiny flies from a bin
Wetting a line in spring waters
Than shutting myself in.
That’s it. I’m going out!
Tomorrow is when I break free…
Six feet out from anglers of course,
You won’t get the best of me!
I’ll sanitize my hands
Cover a cough with a tissue
Staying far from other anglers
Never’s been my issue!
jshanko, CO 3/23/2020 4:35:42 PM
Right on Matt, never thought you as a poet. Bad time for small businesses, hope your endeavor pans out, chin up. Planing on getting out this week also, have some worms, my son is on vacation, and the weather is pleasant. I love spring and fall.
SirGreg88, CO 3/23/2020 7:18:58 PM
I'm putting together the chords for my next hit. AWWWWWW!
elkskinner, CO 3/23/2020 9:52:25 PM
Where is your coffee shop located?
Matt Snider (Matt), CO 3/23/2020 10:35:29 PM
Elk: I just linked to the shop in the text above. Cups. Near Taft/Elizabeth. King Soopers (Cedarwood) Plaza.
SirGreg: I will grab the guitar and see what comes of it!
Jon: There's a poet in all of us
Kev-o, CO 3/23/2020 10:56:11 PM
I needed a good laugh thanks for posting this Matt! Hang in there things will get better!👍 Just getting over a bug myself. Gonna try to make it out somewhere tomorrow and pick on the slimers. I can sneeze and cough as far as I can cast so keep your distance. As for the anyone who gets too close I have a super soaker full of hand sanitizer and I’m a crack shot. 🔫 Stay safe out there Fxr!
Coyute, CO 3/24/2020 10:56:02 AM
Good poem. Hang in there buddy.
anglerwannabe, CO 3/26/2020 2:38:26 PM
LOL great job Matt! I have ZERO artistic skills.
