Game

"Only the game-fish breast the sea," Said an old, old salty sailor to me. All the others lean to the tide, Or out on the back of the breakers ride. Only the game-fish bold and brave Pits his shining body against the wave; And whether the spring be quick or slow Up the rapids the salmon go!

Only the game-fish swim up-stream, Where the golden spangles of sunlight gleam, And cool brown ripples run and race, All edged with a shaken, silver lace, Where splintered shadows toss and fall, And the loon and lonely whip-poor-will call, His head to the current facing the spray, The glittering game-fish takes his way! "Only the game-fish breast the sea," Said an old, old salty sailor to me.