above: “Tecumseh” 7'6" 5wt. 2pc. with Early Morning Brown
I come upon it suddenly, alone-
A little pathway winding in the weeds
That fringe the roadside; and with dreams my own,
I wander as it leads.
Full wistfully along the slender way,
Through the summer tan of freckled shade and shine,
I take the path that leads me as it may-
Its every choice is mine.
A chipmunk, or a sudden whirring quail,
Is startled by my step as on I fare-
A garter-snake across the dusty trail
Glances and-is not there.
Above the arching jimson-weeds flare twos
And twos of swallow-yellow butterflies.
~James Whitcomb Riley