WHAT A FLY ROD REALLY IS (fiction) - Readers cast (Neil M. Travis) - Nov 21, 2011

[rtidd]

WHAT A FLY ROD REALLY IS (fiction)


I received a phone call from a relative of an old man that had recently passed away and wondered if I could come over and give him some idea of the worth of some fly fishing items. I'm not an expert on such things but I told him that I would be willing to take a look and give him some idea about the value of the various items. I made arrangements to meet with him and he gave me directions to the residence where the old man had resided before his death.

[flyguy66]

Neil,

I think that's the best thing you've ever published on FAOL. It's wisdom is "sufic," containing layer after layer like an onion - each as meaningful as the one before. Materialism, family, gratitude, appreciation of that which is lost, the value of symbols/talismans, "the tools don't make the carpenter - the carpenter makes the tools," and generational transference are all themes we see keenly displayed in this short story. Well done!

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Neil,

Very well written piece. Read it yesterday, took til this morning to digest it all. This is one that deserves to be read and re-read. You have a gift.

REE

[Bad Luck Larry]

Neil,

A really beautiful story.

Thanks,
Bad Luck Larry

[okieflier]

Great story Neil. It makes me appreciate gifts that remind me of long gone friends.

Okieflier