(no subject)
I was standing in the shallows. My pant legs rolled up to my knees, hands just below the surface of the water. Waiting like all the men along the shore that day. The sun heated my naked back in contrast to the cold submerged sand that had settled between my toes. I had been waiting since first light. Many fish had swam by my hands. Some just curious quickly darted away. Others seemed not at all the sort that interested me. Then one came into my view. A most interesting fish with colors I'd never before seen that acted most strange. The fish swam right up to me with no fear and ran its slick body across the both sides of one hand. I was astonished. It darted behind my leg then swam slowly, more slowly then I had ever guessed a fish might move, back to my hand. I looked to the man beside me. His face pulled down in concern he shook his head slow as to tell me "definitely no." The man twisted his face, tightened his neck, half closed one eye and stuck out his tongue. "Poisoned," I read. My fish though just continued to dance a figure eight between my hands and legs. I stood straight and scratched my head. The fish no longer seeing my hands swam around my legs a few times and finally gave up and began to swim away. It was then I remembered "I did not want a fish for food." I am from the forests and we eat things from our bushes and trees. No, I came to find a fish to enjoy, look at and play. A fish that could show others what dwelt in the sea. I wanted a fish of adventure. I had ignored a fish of distinction. I cursed the fellow. "You fucking fisherman only think of your stomachs." My body chased my hand into the water grasping at a shadow that glided beneath. I emerged wet, chilled, and with nothing. The man looked at me as a fool, flared his nostril and snorted "you damn boy ain't you ever heard there are plenty of fish in the sea."