The retirement of a king.

The time has come and he agrees.
A place has been secured to enshrine the icon. I'll have to pick up a cedar case with a glass viewing window..kinda like for saints that I've seen in Italy. They used gold instead of cedar ofcourse, but I'm on a budget.
He deserves gold though.
Reminder to self: Rob a bank.
But I digress.
You remember the last time he was retired. A sad day. The saddest. He fell to his doom and met his end on rock..not even in water. That is a day I wish upon no man. His original shattered shell is still in my possesion forever kept safe in "The Tomb at Lago Casa."
Then one day a ritualistic service was held under the full moon at water's edge. A goat was killed. A grazing carp was fed. A musky was strung up to a tree. And a new King was born. Risen from the ashes like the mythical Phoenix. Just like The Terminator, only...well..ya know...plastic.
Version 2.0. And he was pissed. Starting slow and building like a tsunami, he gained momentum and left a winding path of shameful souls in his wake.
His year thus far has been peppered with trophy achievements including yet two more 20" smallmouth bass. His last fish was caught in the pristine waters of Shistose in Ontario after a 3 day foray of smallies the likes of which have never been seen. And that last fish was too close for comfort. A pike..an angry pike..and no leader. And even though the bastard pike who had been sent to slay the dragon by the smallies was conquered, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Every champion leaves the ring at some time. Until now there was only one with a perfect record of 48-0. Rocky Marciano. Now there are 2. The Rocky Marciano of fishing lures joins the ranks as one of the best of all time. Scars, cracks, and all. Still smiling. Still the King. Always being known as the undisputed Master of Disaster. The only lure that made mens' heads bow down as shoulders slumped and beers were picked up in lieu of fishing embarrassment handed out like Halloween candy to the masses.
Yes. The waters are safe now. The explosions have stopped. The trail of the dead ends here. And he is satisfied. As am I. For there will never be an equal.
Rest, o' weary soldiers. Your watery haunts are once again yours to claim. The best of the best has left the battle field. Flag waving high in the breeze as he leaves the minions to dispose of the carnage and meddle thru the refuse of what he left in his wake.

Wilson, You are the man. You've always been the man. You'll always BE the man. Rest, my friend. You earned it.

And yes...I'll always remember what you said. "Ceasar wasn't nuthin' but a bitch in a dress." Word, my man. Word.


"Is there no one on this planet to even challenge me?!" -General Zod in "Superman"-