4 February 2013
In this aquarium I noticed Two fish. Both of the same species Alike in size, colour, shape. Yet, schooling in resplendent hues, Just two Remained apart - darting In the upper bubbles or Wearing weeds below.
The first - a higher flyer - Wore wings of crimson And fire in its tail Leapt bodily on bubbles Out of water into light And seemed to dream of flight A sparkfish gilt with life And energy.
The other rolled over the stones Scales the tint of dreams And unfathomed depths In a scarce-moved eye It was a tender little idea Passing through At peace with fish-hood
Not happy with the crowd Many people swim just like those fish; Separate, yet likened to the rest. Sub-species, searching for the ones Who understand them best. And that's the trial and the tragedy: Plenty of fish in the sea... But one little lifetime And a vast ocean of faces.
Speciesfish • Opuss № I