In loving memory.

My pet fish, Simon.

2007-2009


You came into my life as a solitary fish.
You looked at me with those big deep eyes of yours.
The kids wanted to call you Leonardo.
I never liked Ninja turtles.

Your beautiful red and blue fins and tail spoke to me.
I called you Simon.
It seemed fitting, as you were a fighting fish, after all.

I fed you and kept you from freezing to death.
You lived for such a long time.
You grew fat from my kindness.

You bit my Aunt's fingers.

Then you became constipated and ill.
You lost your sense of balance.
You stopped eating.

And then you fell into sleep.
You slept forever.

I wiped away a tear as I performed a final service to you.
Simon, I sent your sleeping body down the drain, towards the sea.
I hope your soul finds meaning at your place of origin.

Goodbye, Crimson Fish.

Goodbye, Simon.