The Flesh is Weak

[Ben Grader]

When I was younger I have walked
fourteen to fifteen miles a day; when on my round,
and when at sport, with ferrets ventured out,
on many a night, with poaching on my mind.

Against the law, I've sat in darkness on a river bank,
at midnight, with clotting gear;
Then fished for eels, flipping them into a bath
I had tethered to a stake below.

I have trudged for miles along the rhines;
spear upon my shoulder, with its ten foot pole
dragging along behind me as I went
looking in river bottoms for eel holes.

Sat in rain, with shotgun by me in a ditch,
waiting for ducks' night rhode; and getting soaked,
then, walked three miles homeward in the dark;
only to go out for the morning rhode at four.

I have run across the fields pursued by farmer;
jumped the rhine and carried on, with ferret,
tucked inside my shirt, wriggling about,
and purse nets flying in my hands.

Now I am content to sit at home thinking
of days long past; wishing I were young enough,
to do those things once more.
As Mathew says, 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'




Ben Grader 2002
Word meanings, Rhines pronounced 'reens' are man cut waterways on the Somerset levels. Night and Morning Rhode pronounced 'road' are the flight of ducks coming in to the moors at night to feed in the flooded fields and leaving again in the morning for the sandbanks and mudflats of the estuary.

[nannabug]

Ah yes, dear Ben. Sounds like you had a bit of the rascal in you during your youth. Perhaps the years have tethered your flesh to some degree, but I'm certain that young rascal still lurks inside you seeking an outlet. Age is a hefty price to pay for experience and wisdom.
Didn't you worry about that ferret sinking teeth into the flesh beneath your shirt? ;)
When I was a young girl, I once caught an eel on my fishing line. No way was I going to touch it so I cut the line.

[DaBomb]

You've got some great memories tied up here in verse Ben. It may have seemed mischievous to the adults then, but it is really just the immersion in nature that I sense rather than an incorrigible attitude. Nice piece.

Bryan

[Ben Grader]

Thanks for the comments. During the years 39-42 rationing was rather tight so that any extra food i.e. fish etc. was welcome. Eels are the second most nutritious fish after herrings. An eel spear was not actually a spear but a sort of 9inch x 15inch series of flattened blades with small spaces in between them. The blade edges were notched and it was used by setting it into the bottom mud of the river or rhine and drawing it from one side to the other in a series a sawing type movements. It was actually illegal, but the best way to catch them, better than rod and line, which was too slow. Any eel in the mud was caught in the blades and could then be put into a sack. A dozen or so foot long eels made a good fish dinner fit for a king.
When I got out of the army in '47 Meat was still rationed so rabbit as well as eels (not eaten together) was next on the list. I enjoyed the little bit of poaching I did with my ferrets. I did not poach for money but just for the thrill and the food values. I will try to look out a picture which our next door neighbour took of me with a couple of my ferrets on my shoulders. A bit blurry but you can see the two polecat cross jills fairly well.
Somewhere I have a long poem which I called 'The Night Shift', written 40 years ago, about a foray in the winter moonlight. Can't find it at the moment but I am still looking.

[Poeticpiers]

Hi Ben you bring back memories Never used a shotgun though bow and arrow quieter.Alas I am too getting a little old for that sort of escapade.