A Fish's Day Out Poem by Louis Santhana

A FISH'S DAY OUT


Once an Indian fish, for fun,
travelled west-ward to explore
the charms of outer shores

after a long tiring swim,
it rested for a while on corals
in shallow, unknown coastline.

after sometime, it felt hungry
looked around for any ready feed -
as it was on a tour of friendship,
it would not hunt the local sea breeds

at a distance, kurkure, popcorn, fryums
were found spilled over, and dancing
on the crushed waves of reversing waters

no competitors nor any rushing rivals
slowly, the fish relished the sandy menu
wondering at its freedom on an alien soil

spent some days and weeks together
very happy in living very close to the shores
people are kindly, lovable and too friendly

on the fateful day, when it was asleep
someone, bundled her up in a sweep
later, releasing in to a decorative aquarium,
under royal care and pomp.

with the label: ‘Hilsa' - delicacy of Bengal

……….at least, I am happy they have spared my life.
back in my home, a kg Rs. 600, no mercy shown.


Louis Santhana