River SolitudeAn Old Fisherman, a Dying River, and the Winter That Would Not End
The river was cold and black in the early light, and Marek knew the fish were gone. He had known this for years. First, the herring had dwindled, followed by the cod. He used to find them by the hundreds, their silver bodies writhing in his net. Now, as he hauled in the net, it emerged almost empty. The river was weary. He felt that weariness, too,
He sat on the edge of the dock, looking at his boat. It was an old, patched, and worn boat, yet it had always been his steadfast companion. A man could trust a boat if he knew how to listen to it. He had built this one himself, long ago, when the winters were kinder.
The wind came off the water, sharp as a knife. He pulled his coat tighter and stood. He would go out again because that was what a fisherman did. Even if the fish were gone. Even if the nets came back light. A man had to go.
He glided beyond the reeds, the oars cutting through the chill with a slow, deliberate rhythm. The river lapped against the hull, whispering secrets he dared not confront. He set his net and waited. The cold crept into his bones, into his spirit.
Time unfurled like the gray clouds above. The sky thickened, pregnant with snow, birds taking flight, fleeing. He pulled in the seine. A few herring, small and weak. It was not enough. He would eat, but only just.
Back at the dock, he tied the boat and walked home. The house was cold. He stoked the fire, gutted the fish, and set them to fry. The smell filled the room, but it was not like before. Before, there had been plenty. Now, there was only what the river allowed.
Outside, the wind howled. Winter was not done with him.
Monkey's Tale
6 Apr 2025I can feel his sadness. The picture really matches the melancholy mood of your story Ron. Maggie
Ron Mayhew
15 Apr 2025Maggie, thank you for reading and commenting. Can’t explain my attraction to the melancholy as I don’t feel that way at all.
Klausbernd
6 Apr 2025Great text and picture, dear Ron.
Nature is changing drastically. Here the barn owls have gone. Just a few years ago, we went behind our house in the evenings and could be sure to see a barn owl or two. Hardly anybody sees a barn owl here now. Where have they gone? It’s the same with the herrings.
Take care
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂