April 1: The Fish Turned, Fallen Behind, Koans

Santiago brings the fish closer . . . 

"Be calm and strong, old man," he said.

On the next circle the fish's back was out but he was a little too far from the boat. On the next circle he was still too far away but he was higher out of water and the old man was sure that by gaining some more line he could have him alongside.

He had rigged his harpoon long before and its coil of light rope was in a round basket and the end was made fast to the bitt in the bow.

The fish was coming in on his circle now calm and beautiful looking and only his great tail moving. The old man pulled on him all that he could to bring him closer. For just a moment the fish turned a little on his side. Then he straightened himself and began another circle.

"I moved him," the old man said. "I moved him then."

I've fallen behind in my blogging, so I'm going to submit some koans for the next 17 or so posts, based on the passages from The Old Man and the Sea.

Here's the first . . . 

Even is the fish comes closer, the heart remains distant.

Saint Marty is seeking enlightenment.