Harry is in the Pool, So Get Out Your Net

Harry is in the Pool, So Get Out Your Net

By Vickie G. Paver

One rainy day I looked out my kitchen window and saw Harry sitting on the edge of the pool. I was somewhat concerned because of the newly added chemicals in the pool. I rushed out the door and tried to convince him that it wasn't a good idea to swim today, that maybe he should go home. Harry wouldn't have any part of it. As I was talking to him, he jumped in and swam to the bottom of the pool. I waited, figuring that he could not stay there forever. He eventually came up, but as soon as he saw me waiting, back to the bottom he went. He did not want my good advice!

The next day I didn't see Harry. I thought he'd had enough of swimming in a pool loaded with chemicals. Thinking it was okay to finish treating the water, I poured in the "yellow out." After that chore was done, I sat in my lawn chair to breathe in the fresh air left behind by several days of rain. Suddenly, as Harry jumped onto the edge of the pool, I realized he had not left after all. I was frightened for Harry. It was the first time I ever saw a bullfrog shake and the first time I heard one cry. He sounded like he was really hurting! Poor Harry, he was in awful shape.

As I approached the edge of the pool, Harry jumped towards and out the chain-link fence into the grass outside. Quickly I ran out to the grassy area and scooped him up in the net. He carried on; making a cry comparable to that of a cat whose tail had just been stepped on. Poor Harry! As I placed him in a stretch of water that flows into a creek down the road from us, I thought about putting him back in the pond. But, with so many large, large-mouthed bass living there, I didn't think it was such a good idea.

Later that day, I checked on Harry and couldn't find him. In the morning I checked again and found him happily swimming in a small pool of water near the creek. Relief flooded over me as I observed Harry in his new environment. It was a close call, but Harry was okay.

The adventure with Harry reminds me of other Harry's and Harriet's, the human kind, swimming around in pools of life's troubles. They aren't quite sure how to get out, and may just need someone to be patient and give them a helping hand before they are totally fried. They don't need someone pouring in additional poisons on top of all their troubles. Sometimes, self-appointed pool keepers unintentionally add chemicals to the pool in order to hurry and get things cleaned up. We are not patient. We just want them to move on, get with it, quit making it difficult for others and us. We want the mess in the pool cleaned up and for them to go on their way. Do you know a Harry or a Harriet who could use some help. If so, get out your net not your chemicals.

The moral of the story: When you find someone in a pool of troubles, first try the net; don't add to their problems, but in love, try to rescue them. OR: don't pour chemicals in your pool when Harry the bullfrog is swimming. Grin.

E-mail comments to: vpaver@paversnest.com

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