November drabbles - 6

The mother thought it an island. She wondered how the ship had strayed so very close to shore. But no, sailors replied, for “Look, there’s more.” And all around poor humans watched while smooth-backed humps devoured the ocean’s unseen bounteous store.

The child called it a fish and swore it swam around the boat. “Look Mom. A fin.”

Father declared it dinner with a grin. He took his gun, and shot at it. The magazine exploded and the whale got fair away.

Around them nature ran her rugged course. And man, who studied dreams and plans, swam stubbornly for shore.

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