I remember the time many years ago when the both of us went on a trip to catch some tropical fishes in a small stream. We were only armed with a large fishing net made from mosquito netting and a pail to keep the catch. For a time we managed to catch some shrimps and small fishes. Then all of a sudden from underneath some bushes overhanging the stream, a dark blob of something hurried across the stream. We froze in our tracks and watched the progress of the thing. It was a fresh-water turtle! It was not large; about 20 cm in diameter and it was frantically scurrying away from us fast as its stubby legs could paddle the water. I was so overcome by excitement that I went after it without a second thought. My bare hands were about to reach the turtle when I felt a steel-like hand clasp mu shoulder. Next moment I was flat on my back in the water. Mind you, the water was only knee-deep but the force on mu fall made me swallow a considerable amount of water.

A Beautiful Turtle

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or: http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2009/08/20/smallgreenturtlehalfsubmergedinwater_1.jpg

Pulling myself up, I could see Uncle Sam deftly scooping the turtle into the fishing net. With the struggling catch safely in the net he turned toward me with a big grin on his face. Wow! I eagerly splashed my way over to him to have a look at the captive. It was a beautiful turtle, almost totally green with long snout that jutted prominently from its oval-shaped. It stretched its long neck up probingly to find a way out. I felt like touching it and was about to put my hand into the net when Uncle Sam stopped me with a curt “no!’

                   Uncle Sam declared, “He bites”.

                   Just two short words spoken with authority made me realize that I might have lost a finger or two. It was another lesson for me.

Not Advisable

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I wanted to keep the turtle for pet but Uncle Sam said it was not advisable. He convinced me that it was better for the turtle, and me, if we let the turtle go to live a normal life. Uncle Sam asked me to release it. Reluctantly I put the net into the stream to allow the turtle to swim away. Without hesitation it swam slowly down the stream and soon was lost from sight. We watched it till we could not see it anymore.

My Excitement

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From the corner of my eye I saw our red plastic pail lying on its side in the stream. I suddenly realized that I was holding the pail before we saw the turtle. I must have dropped it my excitement. I rushed over to it but alas, only one tiny shrimp was left in the pail. Stupid fellow, I thought. The rest had escaped. I uttered a few words of disappointment.

                   Uncle Sam looked at me. His eyes show sympathy and something more important – strength.

                   “Well, are we going to lament the loss of a few fish, or are we going to catch some more?” he asked.

                   My face lit up. Bless Uncle Sam. He was such a strong guy. I wished that I can be as strong as him. We continued up the stream and by evening caught more than enough to fill my aquarium. I was ecstatic.

Thanks to Uncle Sam

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My cousins are bigger now and they helped around the farm. Though older, I noticed that Uncle Sam is just as lively as ever. Maybe the hard work and the clean air in the countryside contributed to his glowing health. I still visit him whenever I can and I still learn many things from him each time. Whatever profession that I may take up in my later years, I will always have the priceless knowledge of nature that Uncle Sam has given me. Maybe one day I might stay permanently in a farm and live with nature as I know it to be, thanks to Uncle Sam.