I have been contemplating the symbolism in this story for the past 24 hours. That a fictional story could occupy my mind in this way points to the remarkable nature of your writing, Jim. In the broadest terms, I interpret this as a story of material VS spiritual. In the present culture, It is easy to get lured into the shallow depths of materialism by shiny objects. But it is not fulfilling, so one keeps casting lots, hoping to find fulfillment. Those who can humble themselves, turn their backs on materialism and their seek fulfillment in the deep water of the fourth dimension. No doubt, there can be many valid interpretations of this story. That's what makes it great.
Hey K.C., thank you very much. As you point out, there can be many valid interpretations--each reader will take from it what they will and I'm not always sure of exactly what I'm trying to convey. Having said that, your interpretation of this story is pretty much EXACTLY the essence of the parable I was hoping to tell. I very much appreciate your time spent in reading and analyzing it and of course, your kind and considered comments.
For heaven's sake, Jim! How is it that you continue to surprise me after reading your work for nearly two years? Your themes are so varied, your stories so complex. I remain truly impressed. And I can't stop thinking about this story. It will take hours of thought for my brain to pick up all its meanings. These lines, wow!:
“This is your dream, not mine,” he said.
“I’ll trust your recollection,” he said, “I wasn’t involved.”
“It’s not the way I think of fishing, Da,” I said.
Thank you, Sharron. I seem to have recurring thoughts about life after life, visitation by those who have gone before and Old Testament wisdom. Any interpretation you take away is valid. After all, "It's your dream, not mine." I appreciate your encouragement over the last (nearly) two years and I know there are many here who share a similar sense of gratitude. I am working on a longer, more conventional piece that I'd really love to run by you once I get a decent draft--probably a few days out. Would you have time to look it over?
I look forward to it! Any time. I like that you can see recurring themes in your stories - after life, ghosts, biblical references. Do you ask yourself where these themes spring from? I have noticed in my own work a recurring theme of human women in relationships with non-human men - in a good way. Also a thread of women rescuing men... I have a couple ideas where those themes come from.. ha ha ha!
And coming back with a vengeance! My God Jim! Is it you that hasn't been in my feed, or have I just been out writing for too long? That was an amazing story on so many different levels for me. Is it because I'm of an age? I don't know. But something in it resonates for me. It's life on so many different levels,
Thank you so much, Ben for reading and for your kind comment. I haven't been devoting enough time to writing lately nor reading, for that matter. I admire you for your creativity and discipline in turning out such great writing on such a regular basis. I appreciate the encouragement.
Thanks, Ron for your comment. Welp, fish do spend a lot of time in schools--might as well try to teach em something. Kidding aside, I appreciate you brother.
Nicely done, Jim. Biblical, indeed. Really enjoyed this one. Inspiring and deep and dream like in a way that makes the dream stand up and insist on being brought into the light of reality where it dwells one foot here, one there. Great piece.
Thank you Victor David. Yes, one foot here, one foot there. A dream or a visitation? I'm thinking the latter. Thank you for reading and commenting. I always look forward to your thoughts.
I’ve read this a few times at this point and am still mulling it over. Questions of our existence and what comes after life are some ideas I’ve pulled away. There is such a dreamlike quality to the writing, Jim, and is one of those pieces I will continue to think about for some time. Thank you for this thought-provoking read!
Thank you, Justin. I appreciate the fact that you had enough interest to read it several times. I think of this piece as a visitation, a cautionary intervention by the spirit of the father to a son who chases after all the unimportant things in life, a last-ditch effort.
I had to sit down with this one, Jim, and think about it. It is like going off the deep end into something unknown. I'm not sure I get it, but I like it.
Thank you, my friend. I hope you sat down with it in the back yard and watched the birds and the planes while you shook your head and said "Cummings has gone off the deep end."
This became better as I read it. I don't know anything about fishing, so at first it didn't hook me (sorry!). But then it became really fascinating and brought to mind some of my own dreams. I've often thought it considered the possibility that not everything that happens in dreams is pure fantasy, and this story evoked that feeling in me. Thanks, Jim.
Thank you, Terry. I almost subtitled it "Not a fish tale," but decided against it. I have had a few dreams over the years involving departed loved ones that have seemed more like "visitations" than normal dreams. Oh well, who is to know?
I have been contemplating the symbolism in this story for the past 24 hours. That a fictional story could occupy my mind in this way points to the remarkable nature of your writing, Jim. In the broadest terms, I interpret this as a story of material VS spiritual. In the present culture, It is easy to get lured into the shallow depths of materialism by shiny objects. But it is not fulfilling, so one keeps casting lots, hoping to find fulfillment. Those who can humble themselves, turn their backs on materialism and their seek fulfillment in the deep water of the fourth dimension. No doubt, there can be many valid interpretations of this story. That's what makes it great.
Hey K.C., thank you very much. As you point out, there can be many valid interpretations--each reader will take from it what they will and I'm not always sure of exactly what I'm trying to convey. Having said that, your interpretation of this story is pretty much EXACTLY the essence of the parable I was hoping to tell. I very much appreciate your time spent in reading and analyzing it and of course, your kind and considered comments.
Very well-summarized K.C. Deep water the unknown dimension indeed.
For heaven's sake, Jim! How is it that you continue to surprise me after reading your work for nearly two years? Your themes are so varied, your stories so complex. I remain truly impressed. And I can't stop thinking about this story. It will take hours of thought for my brain to pick up all its meanings. These lines, wow!:
“This is your dream, not mine,” he said.
“I’ll trust your recollection,” he said, “I wasn’t involved.”
“It’s not the way I think of fishing, Da,” I said.
Thank you, Sharron. I seem to have recurring thoughts about life after life, visitation by those who have gone before and Old Testament wisdom. Any interpretation you take away is valid. After all, "It's your dream, not mine." I appreciate your encouragement over the last (nearly) two years and I know there are many here who share a similar sense of gratitude. I am working on a longer, more conventional piece that I'd really love to run by you once I get a decent draft--probably a few days out. Would you have time to look it over?
I look forward to it! Any time. I like that you can see recurring themes in your stories - after life, ghosts, biblical references. Do you ask yourself where these themes spring from? I have noticed in my own work a recurring theme of human women in relationships with non-human men - in a good way. Also a thread of women rescuing men... I have a couple ideas where those themes come from.. ha ha ha!
It takes some doing to make something this implausible make sense. What do we here in the physical world 'bite at', and why?
Exactly. Thank you for the comment.
Deep. I loved this. I have complicated ideas of…existence. This spoke to me.
So glad you liked this, Liz. Thank you for the comment.
Read this twice. Still thinking about the deeper meaning.
Thank you Virginia. I appreciate the thought you have put into this! Appreciate your comments, always.
Yes, me too, Virginia. For the beauty of the language alone...
And coming back with a vengeance! My God Jim! Is it you that hasn't been in my feed, or have I just been out writing for too long? That was an amazing story on so many different levels for me. Is it because I'm of an age? I don't know. But something in it resonates for me. It's life on so many different levels,
Thank you so much, Ben for reading and for your kind comment. I haven't been devoting enough time to writing lately nor reading, for that matter. I admire you for your creativity and discipline in turning out such great writing on such a regular basis. I appreciate the encouragement.
“That is not a horse that will carry you far, son,” Great image Jim. A tale well told.
Thank you, Helen. That was actually my favorite line from the story. I entertain myself.
Jim, I like that the fisherman is teaching fish, not taking fish, chasing them into the depths. So cool.
Thanks, Ron for your comment. Welp, fish do spend a lot of time in schools--might as well try to teach em something. Kidding aside, I appreciate you brother.
"It's not the way you think" - that would be something to chew on for a lifetime. Wonderful writing!
Thank you so much Mark.
Damn was this impressive, Jim.
You weave in what's happening a sublime dexterity and allow the reader to unpiece it and be submerged. Brilliant and original.
Thank you so much, Nathan. I appreciate your very kind comments.
Nicely done, Jim. Biblical, indeed. Really enjoyed this one. Inspiring and deep and dream like in a way that makes the dream stand up and insist on being brought into the light of reality where it dwells one foot here, one there. Great piece.
Thank you Victor David. Yes, one foot here, one foot there. A dream or a visitation? I'm thinking the latter. Thank you for reading and commenting. I always look forward to your thoughts.
I’ve read this a few times at this point and am still mulling it over. Questions of our existence and what comes after life are some ideas I’ve pulled away. There is such a dreamlike quality to the writing, Jim, and is one of those pieces I will continue to think about for some time. Thank you for this thought-provoking read!
Thank you, Justin. I appreciate the fact that you had enough interest to read it several times. I think of this piece as a visitation, a cautionary intervention by the spirit of the father to a son who chases after all the unimportant things in life, a last-ditch effort.
Ahh, that makes sense. Beautifully done!
I had to sit down with this one, Jim, and think about it. It is like going off the deep end into something unknown. I'm not sure I get it, but I like it.
Thank you, my friend. I hope you sat down with it in the back yard and watched the birds and the planes while you shook your head and said "Cummings has gone off the deep end."
I always appreciate your support, brother.
This became better as I read it. I don't know anything about fishing, so at first it didn't hook me (sorry!). But then it became really fascinating and brought to mind some of my own dreams. I've often thought it considered the possibility that not everything that happens in dreams is pure fantasy, and this story evoked that feeling in me. Thanks, Jim.
Thank you, Terry. I almost subtitled it "Not a fish tale," but decided against it. I have had a few dreams over the years involving departed loved ones that have seemed more like "visitations" than normal dreams. Oh well, who is to know?
Thank you for your comment.
I'm looking forward to visiting some people and giving them nightmares!
Beyond reality...
Thank you for reading and commenting, Martine.
Wow. You make me a better writer, Jim. I want a fish to bite and then I don’t and the lots become unimportant, only perception and choice. I’m hooked.
Oh thank you, Rebecca. Perception and choice. There is a difference between "fishing" and "catching." Thank you so much for your very kind comment.