It is so Close by, It cannot be Seen

It is so Close by, It cannot be Seen

Once upon a time, a young fish
Asked an older, larger fish,
What is the water?
I hear about it,
But don’t know where or what it is.
The water is everywhere in our world, little one,
Replied the older fish.
Then why can’t I see it? asked the little fellow.
Because it surrounds you. It is in you.
You were born in the water and you will die there too.
When you swim, you disclose its presence.
It is hard to see because it is so close.
Don’t worry, it is here, it is there, it is everywhere.
Said the older, wiser fish.

Adapted as a poem from a Zen story told
by Rafe Martin and Manuela Soares in One Hand Clapping.