It’s Not “Fishing.” It’s Slaughtering Fish Beings.

And fish beings, like you and I, are sentient and beautiful.

Photo by David Clode via Unsplash.

This is a message of love for those who breathe in water instead of air, who feel instead of think, and who are as innocent as you or I. This is a message of forgiveness for all of us who harm and do not mean to, and this is a message of courageous adventure, inviting us to travel kinder roads. This is a message of affection for all.

Phoenix the Human trudged up a muddy hill somewhere along United States coastline, struggling to keep pace with her quicker friend, Shadow. She inhaled the scent of wildflowers scattered across the yellow-speckled landscape.

“Don’t fall into the lake!” Shadow called out with a playful laugh. Phoenix had known Shadow for six months, and their bond had deepened with every shared hike.

At the hill’s peak, together their legs tingled with the satisfying burn of exertion. As Phoenix caught her breath, something shiny in the grass caught her eye. She bent down to inspect it and was surprised to find an unopened cherry trail mix bar.

Giddy, Phoenix stooped to scoop up what was the likely the forgotten treasure of a hurried hiker. She could use a snack before heading back to the house where she was babysitting two kittens. But, oddly…