Despite COVID-19

The grandsons arrive,
boys’ shy bravado
fishing hats askew,
rods on shoulders,
thumbs dug in corners
of their pockets,
freckled faces fastened
with permanent grins.

On winter evenings,
shingles shivering overhead,
they pored over tattered
pages of old magazines,
mesmerized by photos
of behemothic bass.

Now the moment.
Let lures fly,
chronicles spin
new renditions of
last year’s catches.
Size and circumstances
gain embellishment.
Round Lake has opened
its waters and bounty,
despite COVID-19.

MORE: See all of our Write On, Colorado entries and learn how to submit your own here.

Melinda Rusin lives in Golden.