Written for dVerse Poetics: Dipping Our
Poetic Paddles. Truedessa invites us to travel
around the river’s bend listening for the songs
that our paddle sings. This is my contribution.
Silent, cold blue-green.
Sunlight, an arrow,
pierces the stillness.
Weeds sway; I dart.
A shadow flickers. Heron?
Silvery threat?
Stomach grumbles.
Worm wiggles, tempting fate.
I hesitate.
Line sings. Splash!
Muscles spasm, brain screams:
GET AWAY!
Just keep swimming.
Just keep hiding.
Just keep living.
NAR©2025
This is “Aquarium” from The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Not all paddle songs are harbingers of peace! I love the unique POV and how deftly you handled it, Nancy.
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Thanks very much, Dora. I’m drawn to the water and thought ‘why not try seeing things through the eyes of a fish?’. This was a lovely prompt to work with. I appreciate your very kind comments.
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A beautiful poem, Nancy 👌👌👌
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Much appreciated, KK.
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Such a lovely poem and perspective!
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Thanks very much, Lisa. I wanted to try something different.
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I love the point of view and so different from that of the fisherman without a catch.
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Yes …. one swims off with his life and other returns to his wife (without dinner!). Questa la vita! Thanks, Björn.
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Beautifully done, Nancy, …the fishes eye view, …Swim away to live another day , …💙
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Yes, I thought that view might be fun. Thanks, Penn.
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enjoyed your take on the prompt! xx, ren
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Thanks, Ren. I like the idea of being a fish so I gave it a try!
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I always knew fish had feelings too. I was going to have a fish pie this evening – now I’m not!
You picked a perfect piece of music, Nancy, delightful.
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Oh, you should have …. in honor of the fish who swam away! I love all of the “Carnival of the Animals” by Saint-Saëns; so soothing. Thanks, dear Keith.
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I love seeing this through the fish’s eyes. Very clever. Love the heron’s silvery threat.
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Thank you, Sherry. I thought his view could be an interesting and exciting one. I’m pleased to know you like my poem.
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Amazing how all these different types of fish can get along with each other, humans could learn a lot from them.
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It really is amazing, Jim. Saying people acted like animals is an insult to the animals, not the people. There’s a lot animals can teach us. Thanks for your comments.
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Survive!!!
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Swim on to live another day!
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I live near the bay and the river, and I am fascinated by how fish live under the water, and they make swimming look so easy, Nancy …
https://youtu.be/mdpIWZd9JmA
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This was filmed in Australia. It’s so beautiful being underwater and much more peaceful than people fighting for a bigger piece of the earth! We could learn a lot from animals, dear Ivor. Thanks for the happy video.
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Yes, under the water everything is tranquil and peaceful, unlike us above ground critters 😊🌏🐬🦤
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Except for Frankie! Woof woof, Frankie! 🐶🤎🌏
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Oh, poor old nearly got blown away in this morning’s strong wind 💨
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Like Toto in the Wizard of Oz! Hold fast, Frankie! 🐶🤎
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🐶
https://share.icloud.com/photos/02e2Zs9HN-HqXqzr1sW0aEryg
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A creative take on the prompt from the fish perspective. There are definitely threats to creatures who live in the water. I have watched a great blue heron catch a meal before. It’s patience was rewarded as it stood in the water a long period of time but, unfortunate for the little fish it speared.
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Thanks, Truedessa. I was fascinated by your story of the heron; the survival of the fittest …. or the quickest, as the case may be. Yes, there are many threats to the underwater creatures but still not as treacherous as people fighting other people for the biggest piece of the earth. Thanks for your wonderful comments and a lovely prompt.
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A lovely poem Nancy
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Thank you, cara Sadje.
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You’re very welcome 🧡🧡🧡
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I spent an hour at a sea life centre yesterday, Nancy, so your music resonated with me. The opening stanza sets the scene vividly. And I love that it’s written from the point of view of a fish.
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Lucky you! We love visiting Sea World and other maritime centers with our family. I find it so calming to watch the fish. The music is grand, isn’t it! Thanks for your lovely comments, Kim.
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My pleasure, Nancy.
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A powerful little poem and great musical choice. Carnival of the Animals is such an evocative piece of music.
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Thanks very much, Clive. This is such a lovely work by Saint-Saëns; I find it so relaxing and peaceful. It worked with my poem much better than a piece of pop music.
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Two works of beauty together 😊
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