my wife, my daughter and I, across the Ijsselmeer
out into the Noordzee to throw our gillnets
into the beam of a shining moon; crossing the path
of a thousand million Atlantic herring that swim
between the Shetlands and Dogger Bank.
There swims our harvest, a million tons
of sleek fish-oil fatness that only the haring
can bring. Mother and daughter slit out the gills
and gullets, pack the fish into barrels,
salt one portion in twenty,
pack down and seal for Scheveningen.
The pancreas and liver gives a savour
that is relished, but cannot be explained,
both are removed
at the fishmonger's stall.
Nieuwe Haring in pairs served
with chopped onion on rye bread.
Wat lekker-how tasty are they!
