The parable of the fish Juan Flavier

The parable of the fish Juan Flavier
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2004/06/07/OPED2004060711300.html

THE tree perched on the bank of the river. Its leafy branches extended far into the water. A monkey swayed holding on to a branch with one hand. Below, the fish glided gracefully, flipping its fins every now and then. As suddenly, it would dive in and continue its languid circling under water.

The monkey called the fish. "Hey, Mr. Fish, I want to tell you something. Come near the surface so you can hear me."

The fish swam to the waterline. "Dont bother me, monkey."

"I will tell you an interesting thought," invited the monkey. "Why dont you come out of the water? You spend all your time in that murky river. With only algae to eat and very little air to breathe."

"No, I dont want to go on land," replied the fish.

The monkey continued to taunt and convince. "You are missing one half of your life by staying in water. The other half of life is out here on land. Just try it with all the fresh air, trees, and vegetable. You do not have to flip your fins all day long. Dont be an ordinary fish. How about it?"

The thought was now attractive. The fish considered for a moment and decided it was worth the experience.

"How do I go about it?" asked the fish.

"Just jump to the bank. At first you will gasp for air but that is natural. You will soon get the hang of it."

The fish hopped on to the grassy bank. The pad of leaves felt good. Breathing was difficult but not impossible. True enough, in a few hours he was breathing without effort. He looked around and saw the flowers. The rustle of the leaves caught his attention. It was exciting to view a new world. Of birds flying in the air and other animals roaming around.

"See what I told you!" exclaimed the monkey.

The excitement and novelty of it all made the fish feel good. It was a new window full of color and movements.

But after three months, he began to long for the fresh touch of water. He missed eating algae. To view the underwater rock formations. He wanted to be amongst his kind fishes.

So one day, the fish decided to return to his home in the river. He wiggled himself back to the bank. Without a second thought, he jumped into the familiar water.

The fish drowned and died.

Category:

Education

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• parable
• fish
• Juan
• Flavier