Was going to send this to the list, but thought it might be to "Heavy". I decided to send it anyway and if you have comments not appropriate for the list plese direct them to me off list please. Jimi
''Twas the Day Before Christmas... ''Twas the day before Christmas And I was alone, Working hundreds of miles >From my family and home. The stresses and strains Of a professional job, Seamed always my sanity And patience to rob. A few simple hours Were all I could take, And I was spending it Out by a lake. Mudlers and clousers Nymphs and a dry, No mater what I cast The fish wouldn't bye. I cast and I striped I swam it so slow, Even for my finest #22 Caddis They would not go. I prayed for a fish No mater what size, I felt hopeless and lonely And tears filled my eyes. I sat on a log feeling desolate and bleak, Then down the shoreline I heard the shuffle of feet. A fine young fisherman Appeared from around the bend, Stood and gazed across the water, "Any fish my friend"? The look on his face The gaze in his eyes, I knew I had to answer and could tell him no lies. "None today And Lord knows I've tried, I've offered everything" I just set there and sighed. >From his vest he removed One single case, And in one single fly So perfect and Chaste. The tying was perfect The wings so pristine, He gently threaded it On a leader that almost couldn't be seen. The rod was so perfect Bamboo of a fine art, When he worked it Fisherman an rod became one part. He handed me the rod So elegant and fine, He said be subtle And it will cast the line. As I felt the rod Its weight and it's feel, I noticed my host Began to kneel. He touched the water With the tip of his finger, Told me to cast it then let it linger. The fly touched the water With elegant grace, Then suddenly a swirl And nothing in its place. The fish was mighty And put up a fight, He coached from the sidelines To keep the line tight. Much to my amazement It was a 28" Brown, And soon it was in the shallows By my feet on the ground. I gently released the hook And let it swim away, To let it thrill another On some other fishing day. I turned to my host Still standing by my side, His thoughtfulness and appreciation In his face he could not hide. We returned to the log For a bit of a rest, I ask him point blankly How this fishing became the best ? His answer was quiet And his voice was so low, It was mater of factly "You already know". You hear my voice And my presence you've known, I have never left you or forsaken you You've never been alone. A simple prayer Goes right to my ears, My spirit is with you And calms all your fears. It's not the trees, tinsel or light, Its the real meaning of this quiet Holy night. I came for you Your parents and kin, That whoever believed Would be welcomed in. It has nothing to do With reindeer and sleighs, Or boxes and kindness that will be forgotten in days. It is about you And what's in your heart, You have to make the choice And do your part. My spirit and gift Is not for a single day or a season, Its for every moment of your life That is the whole reason. The joy and piece That all find so dear, Should not end after December But should last all year. Take this message Home in your heart, Pass it to your loved ones Weather near or apart. It is not the presents, Bonus's or tree, Its the gift I offer to them and thee. Of piece and understanding Forgiveness of your wrongs, The calm assuredness For which your heart longs. Remember me this season And each day of the year, And I promise when you call me I will calm your doubt and fear. Then suddenly he was gone And nowhere to be found, I placed my face in my hands And knelt on the ground. I prayed and thanked him >From the bottom of my heart, And promised no mater what we would no longer be apart. I could not wait To tell folks what I knew, And just as soon as the job was done Away home I flew. I held my wife and daughter Squeezed them with all my might, I told them of my visitor And how his love was good and right. So as you venture through the year And seasons come and go, Ask yourself this one little thing Is it him you really know. Man hides the reason for our joy Behind their simple adds Cover it with tinsel And yearly favorite fads. It is because the lamb has come As the sacrifice for our never ending sin, And all will find favor If they only believe on him. So my gift to you this season This yearly holiday time, Is to know the love of the savior And not this simple Rhyme. Jimi December 2003 To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Hangerfly Home Page & Files area: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hangerfly THE IHA home page is now located at: www.fly5k.org courtesy of George Majewski Thanks George !! Check Out the IHA Classifieds run by Stan Black http://homebuilt.www4.50megs.com Vintage Ultralight Assn page site by Scott Perkins: http://vulaorg.hostme.com/index.html Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
