The Young Mackerel
by Susan Paczek
Once upon a time
There was a young mackerel
Brought up in a school
That swam together very well
Fast as jets, the school
Would swim around their bay
Without a fish out of place
Every single day
One day this young fish
Who had ventured off alone
Saw a fleet of fishing boats
Approach his ocean home
He told an older fish
That danger was drawing near
But this leader of the school
Did not want to hear
"Son", the leader said
"I've swam this bay for so long
How dare you imply
That our planned course could be wrong
Whatever you think you saw
There must be another reason
Because I know without a doubt
It is NOT fishing season
So today we'll swim around the bay
As we have always done
Now quit your foolish talk
And get in line with everyone"
Conflicted, the young fish
Chose to obey his inner voice
And hid in a cave knowing
Elders would not approve his choice
Later he felt relieved but sad
To win his bittersweet bet
As he watched his entire school
Swim into a fishing net
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