the fish that swims upside down

B and I squatted in front of the fish tank, watching a fish swimming upside down. No, there's no fish swimming that way. He's dying. I can almost picture the owner pulls him out and throws him into the garbage fast enough that he won't even feel the dead fish in his hand. What's the big deal that one fish died? He has another 9.

The dying fish is now arching his body and struggling for air. His color faded, his eyes all dark. B and I start to chant.


I suddenly think of my fishes at home. Did I feed them before going out? Hope Spoty and Peachy are taking good care of them.

Fish is still swimming upside down, stop to breathe, and swim, and stop. He remembers he's a fish--swimming and breathing and eating are all he does--he never gives up being who he is, nor gives up on life.

It is getting darker. I think I'm going to Bitan (Green Lake) tonight. He'd be happy to be there.

-----------------in memory of fiShy Fishy------------------