FisherPoets Gathering 2015
We've put the deck bucket over the stack of the 2015 FisherPoets Gathering and most fisherpoets have headed home until next February. A lot of us have a fishing season or two between here and there, fodder for more poems, stories and songs for the 19th annual FisherPoets Gathering February 26 - 28, 2016.
We thank, meanwhile, all in the commercial fishing community who made the 2015 FisherPoets Gathering another best yet. Nearly 90 fisherpoets joined us from 12 states and three countries. Fans plugged every venue every night. Neighborly volunteers, generous supporters and cheerful venue staffs greased our gears and made everyone feel welcome in Astoria.
We had a hard time deciding the winner of the 2015 Poem Contest. Erin Fristad and Doug Rhodes were left standing, so we called it a tie. Their poems follow. This year's challenge was to include "You can't catch them all" in a poem with at least two rhyming couplets. The crowd loved these best.
We thank, meanwhile, all in the commercial fishing community who made the 2015 FisherPoets Gathering another best yet. Nearly 90 fisherpoets joined us from 12 states and three countries. Fans plugged every venue every night. Neighborly volunteers, generous supporters and cheerful venue staffs greased our gears and made everyone feel welcome in Astoria.
We had a hard time deciding the winner of the 2015 Poem Contest. Erin Fristad and Doug Rhodes were left standing, so we called it a tie. Their poems follow. This year's challenge was to include "You can't catch them all" in a poem with at least two rhyming couplets. The crowd loved these best.
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Deckload
I arrived to Alaska a very green lass and was told more than once: You’ll be hired for your ass. HA! First man who grabs me, I’ll break his neck I’m a professional deckhand: I have a reputation to protect. For years I toiled, I was feeling strong. fished with highliners, my seasons were long. I always worked hard, lightening fast on deck. Slept fully clothed from my feet to my neck. Then Season 14, I woke with a fright. I’m working in a candy store and haven’t taken a bite! So I cast my net, preferring naughty to nice. Responses were quick: “You don’t have to ask twice.” So don’t believe them when they tell you: “You can’t catch them all.” Listen up, Ladies! It’s really your call. - Erin Fristad |
You Can’t Catch Them All
Alaska Bush People, Deadliest Catch
Bullshit that’s ten feet tall…
There’s so many reality shows in Alaska these days
That you can’t catch them all!
Bristol Bay fishing, the Ax men and Big Foot Hunter
And some homestead show, I forgot the name
Alaska State Troopers and Ice Road Truckers…
Has this crap become our claim to fame?
Everybody wants to be on TV
And even Sarah Palin got the call…
We look like idiots on every channel
Thank god you can’t catch them all!
- Doug Rhodes
Alaska Bush People, Deadliest Catch
Bullshit that’s ten feet tall…
There’s so many reality shows in Alaska these days
That you can’t catch them all!
Bristol Bay fishing, the Ax men and Big Foot Hunter
And some homestead show, I forgot the name
Alaska State Troopers and Ice Road Truckers…
Has this crap become our claim to fame?
Everybody wants to be on TV
And even Sarah Palin got the call…
We look like idiots on every channel
Thank god you can’t catch them all!
- Doug Rhodes
