The Carousel Of Life

Is there anything that can make you feel more whole than to swim in crystal blue waters at the very heart of a large school of fish? I feel a thousand eyes are watching me, but with acceptance, not fear.

Suddenly, I sense an almost undetectable change in them. At the edge of the visability, I catch a glimpse of the sleek shape of a White tip reef shark as it glides slowly towards us with unconcerned ease. The shark turns towards us, I feel my heart beat faster and the whole school’s attention is re-directed towards this unwelcome intruder. Closer still and the circle becomes tighter and tighter. As each moment passes it is transformed into a spiralling tornado, spinning and gyrating around me.



The shark is closer now, perhaps only three meters away. As if acting on some unseen comand, a group of perhaps fifteen or twenty of the school suddenly dart at the shark and in a second they are upon it, butting it from all directions.The shark’s resolve breaks quickly and with a powerfull flick of his tail he turns and sinks away to the depths where he can find peace.

Our protectors return and the school relaxes. As I raise my eyes, I see the suns rays pierce the surface and the carousel of life continues for another day.

Andy Hirst