Old man in the sea poem

I was extremely disappointed in myself

For not being able to catch the tough, persistent marlin

It was a long excruciating journey,

Following the bird into the vast emptiness that is the sea

I cannot help myself

From picturing the lions roaming around on the beach

Or for hoping that the fish will give up and let me be

Is this how my life would come to an end?

Wishing for the days of my youth that are so far gone?

Did my pride to sail exceptionally far overrule my self consciousness?