In the tray of an old metal tackle box
That my grandparents use to share,
I found a chain of swivels
And I asked them why it was there.

 They looked at each other and then looked at me
With wisdom and a smile so warm,
And told me the reason for the swivel chain
And how the idea was born.

 They recalled how they and many of their friends
Were taught to fish when they were kids.
And why they will always remember
What those caring anglers did.

 So as they in turn taught others to fish
They started a chain made of swivels one day
To remind them of each new angler
That they had helped along the way.

 “Each swivel has a story
Our angling days are done.
But the chain should never end
It’s our duty to pass it on.”

“You are the newest swivel
Our angling legacy is complete
Now you must share your fishing passion
With others that you meet.”

 Their fishing days may be over now,
But their memories still remain
In the tray of that old metal tackle box
Where I now keep the Anglers’ Chain.