Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, it will live its entire life believing that it is stupid.
It is my fortune that the cat loves eating me but is loath to wet her feet. So, she will not be able to catch me.
I, a fish, belong to the most common and smallest fish species in this mysterious underwater world. At times, I am considered just a general fish. The other popular fellas such as goldfish, starfish, and Atlantic Salmon are well-respected, and they often make fun of my small size. I am not one of those extraordinary fish. However, Albert Einstein has stated that everybody is a genius in his own way. I symbolise courage, freedom and motive. It is true that fish are speedy. We can swim up to sixty-eight miles per hour. Studies also show that we can speak to each other, and this is true. We communicate through sound, colours and even motion. Some of the fish can be surprisingly large. For instance, the whale shark, which is the biggest fish, can grow up to 12 metres. It is as heavy as a double-decker bus.
Today, I spend most of my time playing and roaming with my swimming buddies. I hunt food all by myself and manage to survive my predators. Some rare fish that live here often make fun of my friends and me. They make us do whatever they want. Yet, I lead a happy and satisfying life.
While taking a stroll in the deep water, I often recall my early days. Let me take you back in time to when I was born. I came into this world after getting developed in the egg. I remember my being a very playful kid among my siblings. Mamma fish took care of me and fed me food. I usually ate a variety of insects like flies, midges, crickets and beetles. Many fish of my breed liked eating plants, but I was not one of them. Gradually, I learned many impressive stunts in the water. I could jump high, roll, move fast, etc. I also learned to hunt since it was a need. Life was bliss. I used to swim delightfully with my friends, meet more fish of my clan, enjoy the company of the elderly, and have a lovely life.
After a long time, I turned into an adult. I also had a group of friends. Together, we would roam and search for food. I spent most of my time with them. I had made my little house behind the stones, where I would store my food. One day, I even experienced getting caught in the bait since I resided in the countryside part of the river. I was wandering and looking around the river when I saw a piece of a fresh insect. It appeared to be delectable. But, when I ate it, I felt a choke in my throat. It took me some time to realise that it was bait. Hopefully, I managed to get out and survive. I prayed, “No more baits, no more baits.”
There came a day when I even encountered a bigger fish. When I first saw it, I got scared. My hands and legs trembled. It was almost double my size. But I recall what my mother said about big fish. She claims that fish larger than me come to hunt and consume me to satisfy their hunger. After remembering her words, I quickly changed my route and managed to flee.
Today, as a 5-year-old experienced fish, I have seen countless bait and fish traps. I have also seen humans kill my friends mercilessly because we make a delicious treat. I see the same fishermen most of the time. The fishermen would catch fish of all sizes and sell them.
But now, before I bid you goodbye, remember my words – everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, it will live its entire life believing that it is stupid.
