Among the most indelible memories of my childhood, is that visit to Stamp Falls in 1957 near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, BC. It has been with me throughout my life as a source of inspiration, and a lesson of what nature can teach us about resilience and carrying on despite huge barriers and challenges.
Another Soldier Coming Home
Front row - Stamp Falls
standing room only at river’s edge;
odds are 1 in 100; yet,
as the old-timer told me
“it’s unwise to bet against nature.”
after six years at sea
this fighter now coming home
to where it all began;
beaten warrior, bruised
energy spent, with little left —
one last run, or perhaps two, maybe three
for this salmon on its final journey
to lay down its DNA — and die.
like an Olympian
trying to beat a personal best
waiting, summons energy
now against the current
gathering speed, dodging obstacles
then a furious encounter
against a ton of water...
thrown to the rocks below.
this time for sure — best ever jump
flings itself into the air
gills and fins are wings
tail, the guiding force
propels itself to the top
ten metres, nothing less will do
a sigh from the crowd gathered
some with tears,
overwrought by such a spectacle.
not this time, maybe next
for this combatant will try again and again
whatever it takes,
through this cauldron, over the top
no mercy found with eagles circling
an easy meal for a black bear
waiting for the weak to concede defeat.
refusing to take the easy fish-ladder route
time after time, wounded, bloodied, battered
stark cliff, jagged edges daring the warrior
this time, the leap seems like an eternity
slow motion - then with a gargantuan burst
writhing, salmon hits the wall
and breaks through!
nature has beaten the odds
instincts prevail in this dreadful duel.
from the front and back rows,
those watching, spellbound
by this spectacle of nature
a huge cheer, a shout-out
standing ovation
with awe and deep respect for
another soldier coming home.
01/02/2022
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