The Undersea World of Jack Coos
by P.R. Parker
There is no place like the sea, under it that is.
Gliding through the waters I see so many wondrous things. With my trusty camera I record every fish, every mollusk, every coral. In this liquid paradise I can lose myself in its mystery and magic. I know my oxygen tank is half empty, but I press on.
I play with dolphins and manatees; we're old friends. Later I meet up with a migrating pod of sperm whales. Where are you going my cetacean pals? They tell me nothing and allow me to travel with them a bit of the way.
Ah, the silent joy of this underwater heaven. Only the gurgling of my tank and the occasional banter of whales disturb the peace.
Of course, I talk with my marine pals, and they have the most interesting things to tell me. I take a break and chat with an old lobster who narrowly missed a fisherman's net. Good for you, my friend, for not finding yourself in a pot of boiling water.
An elusive cuttlefish sails by me, speeding for a narrow
grotto. Stop! Why won't you talk to me? It turns to face me then hurriedly resumes its journey. I learn soon enough.
I look around. I see it. I freeze. Shark!
Faster and faster I scramble for the surface. Oh please let me reach the boat before Jaws gets me.
Ouch! I feel something. Oh no! I got tangled in a jellyfish's tentacles. My oxygen tube ruptures. Venom courses through my veins. I feel numb. I gasp for breath. I can't focus. I'm losing consciousness. In a matter of seconds I'll be Jaws' dinner.
This is it. Goodbye my marine friends. Goodbye to all my friends on shore....
"Jacky! Jacky!"
"Yeah, Mom?"
"Quit playing around, and come out of that tub now! Time for bed!"
"OK, Mom. I'm coming."
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