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The Fisherman's Lament

Sailing across the ocean blue  Singing shanties with my merry crew We cast our nets into the briny waters To provide for our wives, sons, and daughters. But when are nets grew heavy and taut We heaved them up to see what we caught. And what did our accursed eyes behold? Fish with scales that glistened like gold. We cheered as our nets burst at the seams. We were rich beyond our wildest dreams! But my heart quickly sank to the sea floor As I recalled the warning we got days before. “Should you ever catch fishes of gold Remember the ancient warnings of old: Release them and don’t be slaves to greed Lest you anger the Merfolk with a selfish deed.” With heavy heart, I reminded my crew Of the solemn warning from Old Ms. Rue. They laughed and said, “It’s just an old wives tale!” And our captain said, “Homeward we sail!” I warned them that this was a foolish deed But my voice was one they chose not to heed. As they started to sail home with childish glee A great shadow loomed below the su...

Earth to Nim

I walk through a grassy meadow where pixies and sprites hide beneath flowers and stones. I find one and follow it all the way to the knothole of an oak tree. The pixie lives with a family of squirrels. One squirrel wearing an apron prepares acorn stew over a warm fire in the fireplace. 

My brother, Jacob, asks me why I’m staring out the window listlessly. By that time, I’m sitting on a tree in the battle of my life fighting goblins and gigantic wolves with bow and arrow in hand. With only three arrows left, I wait anxiously for the king’s army to arrive.

Jacob sighs and says, “Hello? Earth to Nim.”

I pilot a spaceship dodging enemy fire from a large alien armada and jump into hyperspace. I swim to the depths of the sea to visit mermaids. I sit on the bench and have a pleasant talk with Bilbo Baggins. I rise from my chair and volunteer to help Frodo on his journey to Mordor and join the fellowship.

“Can you come back to reality for five minutes?” Jacob asks.

“Nope,” I say.

“Why not?”

“Because in reality, I’m in Wisconsin, but I haven’t a clue where you are. You’ve been missing for months.”

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