We Bring Democracy To The Fish

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.

Poem: “We Bring Democracy To The Fish” by Donald Hall, from White Apples and the Taste of Stone. (c) Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007. Reprinted without permission.

You’ll Have Time

Live life. Live life like you’re gonna die.
Because you’re gonna,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news,
But you’re gonna die.

Maybe not today or even next year, But before you know it you’ll be saying
“Is this all there was? What was all the fuss? Why did I bother?”

Now, maybe you won’t suffer, maybe it’s quick
But you’ll have time to think
Why did I waste it? Why didn’t I taste it?
You’ll have time. Because you’re gonna die.

Yes it’s gonna happen because it’s happened to a lot of people I know
My mother, my father, my loves, the president, the kings and the pope.
They all had hope.

And they muttered just before they went; “Maybe, I won’t let go.”
Live life like you’re gonna die. Because you are.

Maybe you won’t suffer, maybe it’s quick.
But you’ll have time to think;
Why did I waste it?, Why didn’t I taste it?
You’ll have time. ‘Cause you’re gonna die.

I tell you who else left us passed on down to heaven no longer with us.
Johnny Cash, JFK, that guy in the Stones
Lou Gehrig, Einstein, and Joey Ramone
Have I convinced you? Do you read my lips?
This may come as news but it’s time;
You’re gonna die
You’re gonna die.

By the time you hear this I may well be dead
And you my friend might be next. ‘Cause we’re all gonna die.

Yeah, oh maybe you won’t suffer, and maybe it’s quick
But you’ll have time to think
Why did I waste it? Why didn’t I taste it?
You’ll have time. You’ll have time cause you’re gonna die.
Yes, you’re gonna die, you’re gonna die, I tell you
You’re gonna die. You are gonna die.

‘Cause maybe you won’t suffer maybe it’s quick
But you have time to think;Why did I waste it? Why didn’t I taste it?
You’ll have time ’cause you’re gonna die.

Live Life; live life like you’re gonna die
Because you’re going to
Oh yes,
I hate to be the beater of bad news,
But you’re gonna die.

Maybe not today or even next year, but before you know it you’ll be saying;
“Is this all there was? What was all the fuss? Why did I bother?
Why did I waste it? Why didn’t I taste it?”
You’ll have time, baby. You’ll have time.
‘Cause you’re gonna die. You are gonna die.
Oh yeah.

Song: “You’ll Have Time” by William Shatner and Ben Folds, from Has Been. Produced by Ben Folds. (c) Shout! Factory 2004. Reprinted without permission.