Outsider Poetry On the Pecatonica River

When you're eating a brown banana that has been in your duffle bag god knows how long and trying to contact an actual human being from Comcast to help you install all the cheap plastic devices they just sent you then you really start to know what's important.

When you're floating down the Pecatonica River and your five year old is using your crotch as a resting spot for his restless feet you really become aware of what's important.

Fishing upside down like Scott Walker on the Pecatonica River

I'm going to put a poem here. 

Now that it's September summer has finally arrived here in Illinois. I'm sweating it out without air conditioning in my apartment, knowing full well next week it could be full on winter for nine months. Managed to get a ahold of some employee at Comcast and schedule an appointment, and although the voice was muffled, sometime this year. God forbid I could just call the local service center and speak to someone in this hemisphere. 

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Muskie Mermaid

Muskie Mermaid by Jenny Mathews

I've never fished. Well, I've been a few times, mostly as a child, and I've been invited a few times since then, but up until now I've never found the prospect that appealing. I suppose I should head across the street to Arnold's License Services soon and get my fishing license. I feel like fishing may be part of my future. I've heard the names of all these fishes Jenny transformed into mermaids in the past.

The Muskellunge, usually referred to as the muskie, is a long, slender fish that is often mistaken for the Northern Pike. Muskies are relatively rare in the United States. The largest muskie ever caught was 67 pounds and was caught in Wisconsin in 1949. Those receiving SNAP benefits would not be able to buy it. They have vicious, needle-like teeth, and no predators except humans. 

Muskies are ferocious predators, extremely elusive, and a challenge for even the most skilled angler. They spend most of their time laying in wait at the bottom of bodies of water. Because they strike so swiftly and violently, the sight of a muskie taking a lure is quite impressive. After catching a muskie it is important to use the right tools to avoid their razor sharp teeth. 

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Walleye Mermaid of Lake Koshkonong

Walleye Mermaid

I picture all of the mermaids in Jenny Mathews's series Mermaids of North America as being protectors of individual bodies of water. It wouldn't surprise me for this Walleye to be the protector of The Rock River or Lake Koshkonong, Lake of the Woods, Lake Erie, Lake Winnebago, or countless others. 

Walleye can travel up to fifty miles in one night, and have a life span of up to twenty years. Being an enchanted creature, I envision this Walleye mermaid living much longer than that. Walleye have canine teeth, which are slanted back. They use these wickedly sharp teeth to catch/hold and tear their quarry, so I imagine this Walleye Crone is probably not a creature one would want to tangle with. 

Walleye are often unpredictable, are constantly on the move, and will bite like mad one day, then disappear for a week for no apparent reason. And when they decide to quit biting, almost nothing will change their minds. 

Because walleye eyes are so sensitive to light, they don't like bright sunlight. If the water is clear and there is no shade in the shallows, walleye will go as deep as 40 feet to escape the penetrating rays of the sun. You're not going to see this mermaid very often, and if you do a healthy dose of respect is recommended.  Pin It