A fisherman is sitting in his boat when he feels a tug on his line. He gives the pole a yank, setting the hook, and proceeds to reel in a rather large fish. As he's scooping it into his net the fish props itself up on its fins, smiles at the fisherman, and says, "Hi, my name's Rusty. You know, I've lived in these waters for quite a few years and seen and done quite a few things. However, there are still a lot of things I'd like to see and do. If you could find it in your heart to release me so I that I can do these things, I'd be eternally grateful."
The man is taken aback. Not only has he snagged a large fish, but it talks, and is polite. He's struck by a moment of generosity, and releases the fish, who swiftly swims away.
Years pass.
Once again, the fisherman is in his boat and feels a tug on the line. He yanks the pole, sets the hook, and reels in a rather large (and familiar looking!) fish. As he scoops it into his net, the fish begins to speak, "Hi, My name's Rusty..."
The man stops the fish mid-sentence. "You might not remember me, but we met several years ago," he says to the fish. "I let you go then but I'm not about to fall for your pitch again. Tell me what you've seen and done. Convince me that I should let you go again."
The fish replied, "Well, when you set me free those many years ago, I was so relieved that I swam for miles and miles. I went to the ocean and explored as much as I was able. I saw wondrous sights and mournful ones. In fact, at one point in a cold, cold region, I swam deep and found a magnificent luxury ship that had sunk years before. I swam through its ballrooms and suites. I examined the craftsmanship of it and the art that hung from it's walls. I was so moved, that I actually wrote a book about the experience."
"Sure ya did," said the fisherman. "You're just trying to con me."
"No, really," replied the fish. "I did write a book. You may have heard of it: The Titanic Verses - by Salmon Rusty."
DD
