CHURAK'S PALACE

[Churak]

A marine biologist at the University or New Brunswick was working on
a system that would allow humans to talk to fish, and fish to talk with
humans. One day, after many years of working in the lab, the system is
ready for field testing. The scientist takes his gear down to a local
salmon stream and sets it up. Lo and behold, the system worked! Our
hero began talking with the salmon in the stream and the salmon began
talking with the scientist. The scientist noticed one particular salmon
that looked a little different from the rest. This salmon was a deeper
reddish brown than the others, so he nick-named him Rusty.
The scientist then struck up quite a friendship with Rusty. Rusty
told the scientist what it was like to be a fish, and the scientist
told Rusty what it was like to be a human being.
One day, after two seasons by the stream, Rusty said, "It's time for
me to leave for the ocean."
The marine biologist responded, "NO Rusty! You can't! Do you know how
dangerous the trip will be? Do you know that the return rate for your
species is about 2%? Do you know that there are many dangers you will
have to face on the journey -- Fishermen, sharks and pollution to
name a few."
"Look" said Rusty, "A salmon's gotta do what a salmon's gotta do."
So off he went. Two years later, the scientist is still working by
the same stream, when he hears a familiar voice from the past. Rusty
had returned! The two of them quickly became reaquainted.
"You know, you were right about all the dangers" said Rusty.
"I lost track of the number of times that I was almost caught in some
fisherman's net. I lost track of the number of times that I was almost
eaten by sharks. But let me tell you," Rusty continued, "about the
amazing sights I witnessed."
"Tell me what you saw!" said the scientist excitedly.
"The ship wrecks were incredible!" The scientist explained to Rusty
about the large number of ships that were sunk in the North Atlantic.
"Well one ship I saw, the Titanic, was really fantastic! It was just
gorgeous! We swam all through it, up the grand staircases, down into
the dining salons! It was so moving that I decided to write some poetry
about it."
"It must be really beautiful stuff" said the scientist.
"I know it is. Maybe you could help me get it published?", said Rusty.
"Sure" said the scientist, "Do you have a title for your poems?"
"Yes -- Salmon Rusty's Titanic Verses!"