Counting the Fish
Sixteen fish, Saluye—two slipped off and ran away!
Still fourteen left, right?
Two were taken by the cat-doctor.
Still twelve remain, yes?
Two more vanished.
So ten now?
I bought syrup with two—
still eight then?
With two I bought some wood!
Still six?
The house has Meni the cat, she gets two.
So four remain?
Two drowned in the water.
Still two left?
A skinny boy at home—I gave him one.
So only one remains?
Look with your own eyes toward the leaves!
I’m going to be someone’s bride,
so I count them off, one by one.
If you want to be a truly good person,
then eat the thorns and eat the fish—for my sake.
