The Dead Fish Society :: Personal Narrative Essays

The Dead tilt Society   It was a dark and stormy day. It the first day of class and Bletchley Boys School - a school rich in tradition, and rich in the traditional sense. I will never forget my first division at that school, for I met a teacher who changed my life forever. His name was John Flounder. He taught poetry - a class that was not exactly the most butch class, but one that was required.   I sat in the classroom of Poetry 101 wondering what I was doing there. I looked around at the 30 other pimply faced boys who sat wondering the same thing. We were rich, we would be successful, and nobody ever needed poetry while holding a board meeting. I would soon change my mind.   He entered the classroom through the front door, whistling a song vaguely familiar - the theme to The Andy Griffith Show. I would later instruct that its real title was The Fishing Hole. He strolled through the class and out the back door. As we sat in wonder, he popped his head back in and said Well, come on, then. We followed him out into the hall.   Men, I want to read something to you, he said. I gaze upon the still waters,  my hair ruffles in the quiet breeze,  the worm in my fingers squirms to be free,  he does not like the hook.    O worm, how many of those like me,  didst thou consume before today ?  a long dead fisher cat perhaps are you ?  to help me with my task.   Flounder looked up for a second and then at us. What does this mean to you men ? he asked. After a moment of completely blank stares he continued, the author is trying to give you a message - Carpe Piscus. Do any of you know what that means ?   Ralph Finkel did. Ralph always knew. It means Seize the Fish   Yes Seize the Fish It means that life is too short to spend your time in school. Go fishing, my boy Look at the faces in these pictures, he said as he pointed to one of the many pictures in the display case. these are young men just like yo u. Can you hear them name out ? They are saying Carpe Piscus - Seize the Fish.