Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea” (Genesis 1:26)

Three fish are bored.

They pass the time
thinking.

“Why are we here?”

one asks. Another answers:

“If we were not, then who would force
those simple sea snails to endorse
His gift to us – which He designed –
the virtuous values of fishkind?”

The third thinks
but stops,
its thoughts displaced by turgid verse.

“He above, who rains us
manna, made us
and entrusted us
with all He hath created.”

~

I watch, rippled, from far above,
My fractured face obscured by sky.

I see their babble-bubbles bloat
to burst beneath My buckled nose.

The opaque glass – the firmament –
it insulates their world from Mine.

I’m never bored.

I pass the time
(wryly smiling)
Thinking:

“silly, simple, foolish fish!
If only you could think
enough to think you’re wrong!”

My fish, their thoughts,
Are safely hostage in My tank.

They’re here to amuse Me.∎

Words by Jules Desai. Art by Sasha LaCômbe.