Song of the River Li Fisherman
I am a happy man. I am a wealthy man. I have everything a man could desire. My bamboo raft and basket, always filled with fish enough to share. My faithful black-winged cormorant, who does the diving and catching. Moss and rocks, my beloved mountains, gathered round me. Mornings soft with promise; evenings rich with fulfillment. My poems, born of smoky torchlight.
Green ribbon, weaving, wandering
Below skies of darkening blue silk and rose-gold.
Gentle hands with fingers reaching upward
To catch falling blessings.
All I know is this river –
This river is all I need to know.
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Wonderful description of a life-giving river. The prose is as powerful as the inserted poem – both flow as gracefully as the river which they describe.
Very poetical and moving writing, Julie. Well done.
Thank you Margarida!
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Hello, Julie. Wow! Brilliant story and very poetic. Well done.
Thank you Lotchie. I’m glad you enjoyed the poetry of my story.
You are most welcome, Julie.
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Beautiful, Julie. Actually this made me think of Yi Tien Cho (Also known as Mr Willoughby) in Diana Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’ books, although he wasn’t a fisherman, he did tame a cormorant to fish for him. Very interesting character, with some truly extraordinary tales to tell. Very nicely written, I would love such a simple life, except I’m spoiled by a few of my mod cons that I just couldn’t give up now! Oh, love the accompanying picture too.
Thank you, Carrie. A friend posted the picture on Facebook, and I was so taken with it I did a lot research on those who still fish the River Li in the ancient way, with bamboo rafts and cormorants. This river and these mountains must be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I read that the mystical Shangri-La was based on this area.
Oh, Julie, this is so beautiful! There are so many details, expressions, images and words to love in this story. For example: “Mornings soft with promise,” “my poems, born of smoky torchlight,” “Gentle hands … to catch falling blessings.” Wow! This is precious, including the whole picture of contentment with the little. I wish I could give more votes for this one.
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