In Issue 3 of READ Magazine, we printed a story called "The Little Fisherman" by Steven Frank. Recently, we received a narrative poem from Joyce Baio's 8th grade language arts class at Sacred Heart School in Rockaway, NJ. The students took it upon themselves to create a poem that is based on Steven Frank's story! Check it out. It rocks.

Reeling In The Magic
A narrative poem by Joyce Baio's 8th grade class

Ivan misses his magical mom while Mr. Espy mourns the loss of his beloved wife.
Eloise's trip to the afterlife has filled their world with loneliness and strife.
After the untimely death of this wonderful kind, loving mom,
Ivan's life, along with his Dad's, was no longer calm.
Ivan enters a contest where he has to catch a large fish,
But having a good relationship with his father is his only true wish!

On the morning of the contest, Ivan raced to the general store.
Loaded with sinkers and hooks, he knew he needed something more.
Suddenly, something caught his eye half-way down the Houdini aisle,
Ivan found an inflatable parachute that would easily lessen his personal trial.
When it came into view, he realized that is was a parafoil lift,
Little did he know that it was a mystical gift.

After discovering the kite, Ivan happily entered the contest.
He knew he couldn't use fancy magic or his father would protest.
Ivan's dad informed him that he was forbidden to cheat,
So he prepared to launch his parafoil kite which was a magnificent feat!
His wise old father said, "Do not use a magical trick."
Because he knew Ivan could be very crafty and slick.

Mr. Espy and Ivan eagerly cast anchor and float,
Towards the Oregon side on Eloise, their boat.
Ivan and his straightforward Dad sail the tide,
In a desperate attempt to find where the sturgeon hide.
Though fishing for salmon wouldn't bring as much pain,
They search for a sturgeon to bring them some fame.
But as they cast out the deadly kite hook,
They discover Mr. Crawler closely following. Oh, what a crook!

While father and son seek a sturgeon and stealthily stalk,
Dad and Ivan soon begin to have a little talk.
As he was fishing with the magical kite from his mom,
Both father and son soon feel an uneasy qualm.
While silently drifting near the Oregon coast,
They soon found the legendary fish they had wanted the most.
Ivan easily tossed out a line holding some bait,
While praying about his expected good fate.

As soon as Ivan felt a good strong bite,
He did his best to handle the amazing fight.
Mr. Espy, his father, had always admired,
His son's inventiveness and great desire.
Mr. Espy thought that he was oh, so wise,
But Ivan followed his instincts and pursued the great prize.
Father and son, on the tiny Eloise, made a great pair.
And somehow would always remember the fishing memory they'd share.

Mr. Espy and Ivan were on a small cozy boat,
Because of their weight it could barely float.
While Ivan pulled the huge fish onto the boat, it began to wiggle,
Then both father and son began to chuckle and giggle.
When they brought the huge fish back to the dock,
Everyone was amazed and in a complete state of shock!

Thus ends the magical tale of a father and boy,
Whose lives were missing laughter and joy.
After winning fairly his most coveted prize,
Little Ivan looked toward the heavenly skies.
And whispering a simple "Thank You" toward heaven above,
With eyes and heart brimming with eternal love.
For the wonderful, magical mother who wisely knew
That if one truly believed in magic any wish could come true!