The Omnivorous Fish

“That’s why I don’t want to reproduce.”

It’s a tough call, Joe. When I was nineteen, working as an art aide in San Diego schools, I announced that I only wanted to adopt children. I called it “recycling”: wasn’t I clever and forward-thinking? (This was the nineteenth century, after all.)

And then one teacher put a seed in my brain: “If all the intelligent people stop having children, then what are we leaving to future generations?”

So I had my one child—not out of a plan or desire, but simple acceptance of the pregnancy, because she clearly wanted to be born—and then I helped raise others: two stepdaughters and now the grandson who immediately embraced you (and my friend, Simon) into his heart.

You don’t know what karma (not good/bad, just the wheel) awaits these children, honey. But go ahead, don’t have a baby. Oprah’s had enough pregnant men for one week.

: D

Thanks for linking to my words: I love you and look forward to your next visit. Hopefully the garden will be popping.