Catching fish

Together in the water, 
Knee deep in it,
I feel so unsteady, uncertain,
It might as well be up to my neck.

My surefooted neighbour stands poised,
Keenly watching the flow,
Understanding the form and movement,
Knowing when to dip and flip out a fish.

I don't see what she sees. 
The patterns of the surface absorb me,
The reflection of the sky and clouds.
The fish underneath are lost.

I put my hand in the water,
It feels cold as it speeds indifferently by,
I know I'll always go hungry
As I pull out my hand and pluck out a leaf.