And We Wait

An ancient oriental story tells of a little fish swimming along the edge of the river. Nearby on the river bank a science teacher has assembled his class for an instruction on “water.” As the fish swims by it hears the teacher speak: “Water is absolutely necessary to life. Without water we would all perish within a week’s time.” “Golly,” says the fish, “if what that man said is true, I’d better find some of that substance called ‘water’ or I shall die in a few days.” It asks every other little fish it sees where water could be found, but none of them knows. Then it puts the question to some older, larger fish, but they are more interested in food for the day. Some think the little fish is crazy: “Go away and let us alone,” they say in fish language. From stream to stream the frightened fish carries its quest, but in vain, until finally it comes upon a fish who seems…