Cheese Curd for Bait (Poem by James McIntyre)

Cheese Curd for Bait

By James McIntyre

The following adventure was participated in by Mr. J. Podmore and Mr. W. D. Grant at Matheson's Cold Spring Cheese Factory in Zorra, 1888.

Cheese buyers in hours of leisure

Combine business with pleasure,

And when they wish to go abroad

They take their gun and fishing rod.

This tale is true we pledge our word,

They baited hook with a piece of curd,

And let the rod hang from the boat,

While curd and hook on pond did float.

And then they start for sport and fun,

To try their luck with the shot gun,

And quick they raised from their cover,

Then brought low eight brace of plover.

Now to the pond they do return,

But loss of rod they have to mourn,

They see it rushing through the water,

And wonder what can be the matter.

But the courage of young Grant,

It did not for a moment daunt,

Though rod it now is far beyond,

He plunged into deep, cold spring pond.

And seized his rod and then drew out

A beauteous seven pound trout,

Which had grown from the seed

From spawn of California breed.

And Californian in its greed,

On the sweet curd wished to feed;

But, alas, for it's sad fate,

It swallowed hook along with bait.

Poem Analysis:

James McIntyre's poem "Cheese Curd for Bait" recounts a peculiar fishing adventure involving cheese curd as bait. Through humor and vivid imagery, McIntyre portrays the fusion of business and leisure activities and the unexpected outcomes that ensue. Let's explore the key themes and elements of this whimsical poem.

Unconventional Baiting Technique: The poem introduces a unique fishing method where cheese curd is used as bait instead of traditional bait such as worms or insects. McIntyre humorously depicts cheese buyers combining their business trip with leisure activities by using their cheese curd as bait while fishing. This unconventional approach adds an element of novelty to the fishing expedition and sets the stage for unexpected events to unfold.

Accidental Discovery: The use of cheese curd as bait leads to an unexpected and fortuitous discovery. While the fishermen are occupied with shooting plover, they inadvertently catch a seven-pound trout attracted to the cheese curd. This accidental catch surprises the fishermen and adds an element of excitement to their fishing excursion.

Bravery and Determination: The poem highlights the courage and determination of one of the fishermen, Young Grant, who bravely plunges into the cold spring pond to retrieve his lost rod. Despite the challenging circumstances, Grant's resolve remains unshaken as he retrieves both his rod and the unexpected catch—a magnificent trout. This portrayal of bravery adds depth to the narrative and showcases the fishermen's resilience in the face of adversity.

Humorous Twist: McIntyre infuses the poem with humor through the unexpected outcome of the fishing expedition. The trout's voracious appetite for the cheese curd results in it swallowing the hook along with the bait. This humorous twist adds a comedic element to the story and underscores the unpredictable nature of fishing adventures.

Symbolism of Success: The capture of the seven-pound trout symbolizes success and unexpected rewards. Despite the initial setback of losing the fishing rod, the fishermen's perseverance and quick thinking lead to a bountiful catch. The trout, bred from California spawn, represents a valuable prize and serves as a testament to the fishermen's resourcefulness and ingenuity.

In conclusion, "Cheese Curd for Bait" by James McIntyre is a delightful narrative that combines humor, adventure, and unexpected discoveries. Through its portrayal of unconventional fishing techniques, accidental discoveries, bravery, and humorous twists, the poem captivates readers and invites them to embrace the whimsical side of life's adventures. McIntyre's playful storytelling and vivid imagery make "Cheese Curd for Bait" a memorable and entertaining literary work.