Feisty | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Feisty | Previous Challenge Entry
By Helen Carr
11/14/13
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For me, few things epitomise "tranquility" as beautifully as an aquarium. Below the surface of the calm, clear water, myriad fish, all of different sizes, shapes and colours zip behind the bubbles rising from the ornamental diver, and out again through the gaping mouth of the Easter Island statue; the secret currents they leave behind enticing the Dwarf Hairgrass to join in their mesmerizing dance.

One afternoon I happened to be browsing the aisles of the local pet shop when I spied the most beautiful array of creatures I've ever seen. They were 'just' fish, for sure, and yet gazing upon their beauty was akin to looking into the heart of a prismatic rainbow. The first was a deep sapphire blue; its neighbour equally dazzling in emerald green, the next dressed in bright magenta, and then yellow, and then orange! Each had exquisitely long fins, flowing and moving in time, as if each was a ballroom dancer being twirled round the dance floor, their feathered gowns tickling and swaying as they moved. It was, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular sights I'd ever seen.

Having fallen completely in love, I looked down to discover their name for future reference . . .

Siamese Fighting Fish - DO NOT add to other fish in tank! Prone to attack and kill other fish. Must be housed alone.

I never did buy a Siamese Fighting Fish; the vibrant beauty of the outer appearance was such a contradiction to its inward nature that any joy I initially felt was displaced. I felt duped. And stupid; how dare they trick me with their flashy flamboyance?! No, I would not buy such a fish. A simple goldfish would suit me just fine. No frills, no 'wow' factor, but no hidden agendas or angst.

It's kind of sad, actually, just how similar we humans to this scenario. So many beautiful people who look good and capture the attention of the world, and yet are so full of hatred and jealousy, anger and self-preservation techniques that they are left all alone; great, big warning sign hanging from their elegant, slender necks. . .

Angry and terrified human being - Do Not enter their 'personal space' as prone to attacking and pulling down other human beings. Approach at own risk.

Ah yes, I'd rather be a plain, yet inwardly secure goldfish, happily going about my day with the other plain fish, than a fancy, but fiesty fighting fish, adored by so many, but never really and truly loved, or known for that matter, for who I was.

I wonder, which one would you rather be?

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