Numbered among his followers, I was assigned
to fish up his lost relics through the kelp.
I was told that they’d once bore identifying signs,
but that that was ages ago when wishing helped.
I was part of the sage’s coterie,
fulfilling duties of mysterious purpose.
I wasn’t at all disturbed no one noticed me –
this, in fact, I felt made me virtuous.
“I prayed for blessedness and they gave me these tools:
a pair of boots, a hook, some line and a stopper.”
This I remarked as I trudged through the pools.
“If that’s how it is, I’d rather be popular.
Seven days and already my back is hurting.
When we get into port I’m deserting.”
Yes indeed, dear reader – that’s the way people are.
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