The Old, Old Story

written by


« Reload image

I have no wish to rail at fate,
  And vow that I'm unfairly treated;
I do not give vent to my hate
  Because at times I am defeated.
Life has its ups and downs, I know,
  But tell me why should people say
Whenever after fish I go:
  "You should have been here yesterday"?

It is my luck always to strike
  A day when there is nothing doing,
When neither perch, nor bass, nor pike
  My baited hooks will come a-wooing.
Must I a day late always be?
  When not a nibble comes my way
Must someone always say to me:
  "We caught a bunch here yesterday"?

I am not prone to discontent,
  Nor over-zealous now to climb;
If victory is not yet meant
  For me I'll calmly bide my time.
But I should like just once to go
  Out fishing on some lake or bay
And not have someone mutter: "Oh,
  You should have been here yesterday."

© Edgar Albert Guest