How the Fish Got Away

One day up the sand on a beach by the ocean
A frothy waved hand left a fish with the notion
To walk on dry land and see what’s the commotion
So he took his first steps with a flip-floppy motion

And a tree was the first thing that came into sight
“What seaweed!” The fish thought and flip-flopped with delight
“How does it stay standing all on its own might?
It’s bark” the fish thought, “Must be worse than its bite”

And so he flopped on though not far I’m assured
When he flopped in his tracks at a fish so absurd
That it’s hard to describe using picture or word
Though I’ll try to explain this, the strangeness inferred

The creature was flurfy and stood on two sticks
(Though later I learned they’re called legs, just for kicks)
And his fins, oh my Neptune, were jumbled and mixed
“That’s something” the fish thought “some swimming might fix”

“Good morning!” the Fish said without hesitation
“Are you a Fish? Or some other weird kind of creation?
I’m on a vacation that’s causing vexation
Despite all my schools I need much education

“I’m a Pelican” squawked the Bird “and I’ve seen Fish before
Though never flip-flopping so far from the shore
Six gallons of water my bottom beak stores
Flop into my mouth and I’ll give you a tour!”

Now the scales on a Fish are for moments like these
When decisions that Fish face are not weighed with ease
“He could have Halitosis, or what if I sneeze?”
With these thoughts he climbed up with sh-shaking knees

And the Bird took a hop and then stretched out his feathers
He can swim through the sky!” the Fish thought thinking “Whether
Or not I get back from this trip altogether
I’ll be glad to have gone on this deep blue endeavor”

And the Fish stuck his head from the bowl of the beak
Splish-Sploshing around when the Bird tried to speak
And of Meadows and hill tops and mountains he peeked
“What a dry trip said the Fish tongue in cheek

“That’s a cloud” the Bird gargled with and air of all knowing
“Though I never know when they’re around, where I’m going
It feels like my mem’ry is always forgoing
Me Hazy opaque, blurred, soft edges flowing…

And with that they popped through the clouds in the sky
And a sight that he never had dreamed met the eye
Of the Fish overcome so he started to cry
“It is beauty” was all he could think to reply

He beheld, the waves of the sky but of gold and of fire
Like the crash of the surf on a cliff though much drier
And the sun stretching far as the eye could desire
“Is this where I go if and when I expire?”

These thoughts plus a thousand went through his Fish head
As back through the clouds past the mountain peaks red
Past the hill tops and meadows the Bird and Fish sped
“You flap as I flop” the observant Fish said

And the Bird settled down at the foot of the tree
And out of his mouth with relief to be free
Flopped the Fish, for it’s known that all Gills would agree
The sole bowl that a Fish belongs in is the sea

And the Fish thanked the Bird who squawked “It’s alright”
And they made plans to meet up that week for a bite
And the Fish made a promise as the Bird took to flight
He would always be true to himself and what’s right

“The bark on this tree is not what makes it stand”
Thought the Fish as his brain began to understand
It’s what’s inside that matters in sea or on land
And to forget who I am, well, I’d rather be damned!”

“I’m hooked on adventure right down to the core
There are so many places I would like to explore
But I flip-flop so much I can’t pick one for sure
Please give me a sign, anything, I implore!

And as the Fish made his wish what should pop from the ground?
But what’s known as a Worm, and what he said should astound
Anyone with an ear that can hear a Worm sound
For though they were quiet, his words were profound

“I’m the king of the soil and my rule is renowned!
And if you’re not to the sky or to the sea bound
I invite you to join me in the halls underground
I could hop in your mouth even, and show you around”

And that’s the last that I saw of the Fish, though I’ll say
That I’m sure he’s still somewhere flip-flopping today
And to those that are at this Fish story soiree
That’s the story, of how the Fish got away




El Fin