Another thoughtful skirmish prompt (thanks, Robin!) The first draft was a bit too political (ICE fishing!) but it fortunately morphed into allegory about fishing for new ideas and knowing which ones to keep and which to throw back. Which is ironically relevant to the writing process, whether a #skirmish or a novel. Just lyrics at this point, but stay tuned for a demo in due time.

LINES IN THE WATER (c) 2026 raspberry33 Verse 1 Morning in the Berkshires, river’s running high Fly rod in my hand, under a perfect sky It's not the prize I want, it's the tugging on the line The fish aren’t yet biting – but things will be fine

Verse 2 See a silver promise flashing in the sun Let’s explore what happens if let the line run Hold on, it’s a big one, enough to check my grip Reel it in slowly, don’t let the captive slip.

Chorus Catch and release, hold the truth, spare the rest In the house of nature, we are but a guest Reel in ideas, sort the best, discard the plain Keep only the precious, turn the rest loose again

Verse 3 Love is integrity, not pockets filled with cash Truth is more than consequences gone in a flash Do possessions mean more than having inner peace The best of both worlds is to catch and release.,

Bridge: There's a time to keep, and a time to give back Memories must be custom-made, not just off the rack A small life wrestled from the deep too tired to fight Sometimes the bravest thing is just to set it right Catch and release (instrumental) Last Verse: I like the chase more than the catch, the game more than the prize I cast my lines like questions, hope that answers harmonize Catch and release — I keep the honest ones I find Until then I count the pulls and try clear my mind Chorus Catch and release, there’s balance to achieve Catch and release, lift it up, then bow and leave Some ideas are big enough, others need to grow So back into the water they go. Outro (chanted) Catch…and Release Catch…and release Meanwhile, keep your lines in the water.