BELOW THE SURFACE BY GAEL ZAMBRANA '23

By Gael Zambrana '23

A rock is tossed into the ocean water, and the ripples begin to spread as the splash occurs The ripples follow one after another almost endlessly until they have gone far out of sight. In the water are various different things, some inanimate and others alive But within the many different types of creatures below the surface, not all are bound to survive.

The fish swim in schools The sharks swim in shivers The sharks strive in the ocean But they will not survive in a river.

They have their role as a predator Yet they are also prey to other creatures, including their own kind. Though all creatures wish to be equal, There is always a superior race.

The whales look after themselves, without much worry of survival Even the dolphins and turtles who must look out for themselves and keep away from predators Pay no mind to the smaller creatures who are not as fortunate, such as the plankton, the jellyfish, and the shrimp that live in fear, searching for an escape. The way of the ocean, no matter the intent, is to be selfish.

If a shark sees another shark weakened, bleeding or hurt, It will eat that shark. If a whale sees this shark successfully catching prey, it will eat the shark too. Some will even eat sea turtles Which are defenseless against a large shark The cycle repeats itself forever.

The water keeps all of these creatures in the same space No matter how poorly they act towards each other. They have no choice but to play the game And participate in the never ending cycle of life.

Although it is all one community, do the creatures really care for each other? Are they all of good intent, or will they come after the smaller and weaker as soon as they find out it benefits them? Through the curtains and below the surface, the truth is they want what they think is best. Rather, they want what they think is best for themselves.