The Pike

[John]

My favourite fish, and I wrote this donkey's years ago. I was heavily criticised elsewhere for writing about a fish and not having it sound like Blake's The Tyger. There you go. Puts you right off.

I've made some minor alterations from the original (line capitals, inversions,) but I'd like to present it essentially as it was for more meaningful feedback here. Then I'll try again.

Cheers


THE PIKE

Slow and deep, the river runs
across your reedy lair.
Yet who can really know the might
and hidden strength you share?

Bloody pike! the ignorant call.
Killer! Devil fish!
Eating all that comes your way,
your death is what they wish.

Broad flat head with sloping teeth,
and powerful fins set back.
Black eyes watch for prey above,
the signal for attack.

Jaws held open, Nature's way:
with vents beneath your chin
to lift you high towards your prey -
that awful, crushing grin.

Green and yellow camouflage;
a piece of waving weed.
Too late for fish and rats and ducks
dragged down for your next feed.

Bloody pike! they call once more.
Killer! Devil fish!
Eating all that comes your way,
your death is what we wish.

Splendid fish, a ruthless fish
afraid of none but man.
You can't help the way you are
in life's survival plan.