to_the_stranger_who_crosses_the_water tt dear stranger, the salmon told me that you exist. he says you're real. but he doesn't know what you look like and he doesn't know what plans you have for the water. i'm the carp. maybe you know me. perhaps you even came to my birthday party. there were many animals there, so i can't be sure. if you came to my birthday party you may have heard me recite something. or had you already left by then? if you were still there, did you think it was nice? i'm writing to tell you that i am very happy with the water. if you're responsible, then thank you. i think it could flow a little faster sometimes, with bubbles in it and little eddies. i just love eddies. little eddies, that is. could you provide some? you could also give me an occasional flood. it is so wonderful to swim up a tree. if only you knew, you'd make sure it kept flooding. maybe you do know, but it isn't easy, all that flooding. i also know things aren't that easy but i still want to do them.jumping for example. jumping in the air. i wonder if you can do that. maybe you know a good way. if you do, i'd love to hear it from you. but that big freeze-up in the winter; why do you do that? what's the point? please don't! (the carp stopped writing for a bit and thought. then he carried on.) i do apologize if i got carried away there. but have you ever been frozen in the winter? it's terrible! now i am going to go and have another swim. by the way, you don't have to remain anonymous. you could just reveal your identity to me, if you prefer. i can keep my mouth shut; you can count on that. but of course, you can remain anonymous if you like. would you mind if i say goodbye now? goodbye. the carp 130131 what's it to you? who go blather from