Yells. Action. Grounded.
He leaped into action.
No schooling necessary.
Heard those in danger and decided to help.
He’d be a fish out of water, but didn’t care.
Willing to lend a helping hand.
(1922 Fairy Tales.Charles Perrault 1628-1703/Clark 1889-1931/US public domain:expired copyright/publication date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Might be at risk himself, but determined to make an effort.
Besides, they alway say “People learn by observing others.”
In school they always say “If you want a friend, be one.”
Who knows. Someday his family might need help and they would remember how he showed up.
Now take care. These are uncharted waters.
(1900 Fairy Tales.Andersen 1805-1875/Tegner/Braekstad 1845-1915/US public domain:expired copyright/publication date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Blood is thicker than water.
Family ties.
Maybe distant relatives, but no distance is too far when family is concerned.
No money. It was a long hard road to there.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Wait. Look. Possible transport?
Worth a leap of faith?
Go for it.
Hitch a ride south.
New Jersey strong.
Woe is we. Obi-Wan? Sharks of the Tank? Any offers?
(1899 Fairy tale.Andersen/Stratton/US public domain: expired copyright/publication date/Commons.wikimedai.org)
Raise a fin in support of the Gulf Coast sharks.
He tried.
They didn’t give him a chance to speak.
Misunderstood his sudden boarding.
Out of fear? Out of hate?
Out of their minds, they beat him into submission.
Defeated, the 300 pound shark gave up his quest. Don Quixote no more.
He closed his eyes in sadness.
He could not even make these understand.
But maybe his death would have bigger purpose.
Maybe humans learn by example.
Strength of convictions.
(1900 Fairy tale.Andersen.1805-1875/Tegner/Braekstad 1845-1915/US public domain: expired copyright/publication date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Quite often good things have hurtful consequences. There are instances of men who have been ruined by their money or killed by their courage.” – Aristotle
Fishing for sense,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
These are times that try men’s souls.
Consider the consequences of so much: violence, hunger, ignorance, poor stewardship
“Logical consequences are the scarecrows of fools and the beacons of wise men.” – Thomas Huxley
“The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.” – Japanese proverb
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” – Edmund Burke
“The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” – Dante (Inferno – but you knew that, right?)
Black and white. Shades of Grey. It all fades.
(1900 Fairy Tales and Stories. Andersen 1805-1875/Tegner, ill b.1853/Braekstad 1845-1915/ US public domain: expired copyright/publication date/ Commons.wikimedia.org)
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16 Comments
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Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Sadly, we’re suffering the consequences of all four of those things because too many of us aren’t paying attention. I keep thinking we’ll wake up and take action, but I’m not sure I’ll live to see it.
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It’s probably all the squirrels distracting everyone. (Did you see the on at the bottom of the last post – it’s what made me laugh about your squirrely post)
All some of us can do is try and move the dirt and keep things nurtured in the beds…splashing in water as needed during the heated spells.
Thanks for paddling over to chat
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Wondering if the fishermen could’ve pushed the shark back into the water. Maybe it’s plain naivete on my part, especially since it was 303 lbs., but maybe it didn’t have to meet the end of its life just yet.
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Maybe if they hadn’t hooked it, and buzzed it with the cattle prode/bang stick it wouldn’t have been so upset. Seriously, it was fighting back. They could have cut it loose as it was leaping around before it landed in the boat? (Wonder if the others were taking notes…how hard is it to sink a boat like that…). Thanks for fishing out a comment
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There are too many days where I feel like we’re living the Chinese curse: May you live in interesting times. I don’t think it bodes well for our future if we keep upping the interesting factor. A pause to consider the consequences of all our actions is long overdue. And I’m afraid some people don’t appear to share that view.
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I’m afraid that considering consequences of actions and accepting responsibility for actions must be very early, reinforced throughout the years. Understanding what behaviors are acceptable and which ones aren’t also must be learned early and reinforced consistently. All that means even if we start with the toddlers now – going in that direction – there’s a large group that was never taught and are out in the world – or about to be.
Maybe it’s the curse that keeps on giving? Thanks for sending a comment with teeth!
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We need all of our creatures for the health of our environment. Especially the ones in the ocean. But I have to say, I don’t know what I’d do if a shark jumped into my boat. Of course, that isn’t likely to happen because I have no interest in fishing for them or attracting them when I’m on the sea. Your pictures are especially nice in this post. Love the sepia tones.
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How often do sharks jump into boats do you think? Guess rapid media has given us more/faster views. Seems like Jaws, the movie, should be appearing again soon…much to resorts’ annoyance.
I’ve become fascinated by some of the early fairy tale illustrators. Amazing works. Thanks for floating over
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Excellent post… and I agree with your reply to jmmcdowell. There is always something to be learned from every experience. Accepting responsibility is something I don’t see much of these days, nor is it widely taught and instilled in today’s young people. Society likes to point the finger of blame elsewhere. Again, for me, the problem is so big that I become overwhelmed. But hey, I’m still treading water… teaching a swimming lesson here and there!
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Hey, if everyone took care of their own little corner of the world, things would be fine. (It’s the “taking care of” definition that seems to be difficult these days?) Thanks for splashing along
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“Maybe humans learn by example.”
If only….
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Someone said humans have some sort of blinders on…..horses wear blinders but still work in a team, but humans? WHole different animal. Thanks for pulling in a comment
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As a group, we humans are quite selfish.
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Up to now the sharks have managed to keep us in line with scare tactics….a little worried what their next strategy is. Thanks for bailing comments to keep things afloat
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I keep hoping, as I know you do, that humans will get some smarts, and compassion and somehow move away from the “glory” of huntin’-fishin’-shootin’ and into watchin’-bein’-lovein’… if not this generation, then future. I think things are changing but so slowly.
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It’s a bit amusing that people will spend all this money – lots of money – for equipment, gear, guides, fuel to go out and kill a fish that’s just minding it’s own business….looks like one shark had just had enough: “I may be going down, but someone else is gonna go with me?” (You don’t think they will get organized in those schools do you? Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water….)
Thanks for motoring over
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