The Salmon

I started as a molt, and grew strong, in the ocean I was fearsome, eating and making my way through the water.

“haifa”

I was young and full of energy, as I tore through the water, and smaller fish alike.

“haifa”

I was smart, knowing where the food was. I was intelligent, in the way I made my way home after that long time away…

“haifa”

And finally I followed the smell and made my way back to the mouth of the stream. Where the ocean meets the river, and I waited patiently, gathering my strength for what was to come.

“haifa”

And eventually when the rain started, and the river grew full, I knew it was my time. So I dashed for it.

“haifa”

Across falls I jumped. And made my way ever closer to the breeding grounds.

“haifa”

And in the last jump I got distracted. I looked slightly to the side, and dashed and fell back. Exhausted my last jump was weak, and a bear grabbed me.

“haifa”

And now I sit here telling you the story of my end. How I died after working so hard. Everything for nothing. All that year struggling.

“haifa”

What do you have to say except “haifa”?

“Before you I had a man. Who worked his whole life. And he made some money and bought a house and married a woman. He thought he was nice, so he treated everyone with respect. He never got a red car, he never even got a yellow card. Paid his bills, parked correctly, went to work, and finally bought a house. He got married to a woman. Had a child, and then she left him and took the house. He killed himself and sat where you sat. It is awfully similar the life of that Man with the life you lived as a Salmon.”

haifa.