We Bring Democracy to the Fish

by Donald Hall

It is unacceptable that fish prey on each other.
For their comfort and safety, we will liberate them
into fishfarms with secure, durable boundaries
that exclude predators. Our care will provide
for their liberty, health, happiness, and nutrition.
Of course all creatures need to feel useful.
At maturity the fish will discover their purposes.

"We Bring Democracy To The Fish" by Donald Hall,
from White Apples and the Taste of Stone. © Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007.