The Coconut Fish

The coconut fish is a curious beast;
It floats on the ocean, concealing a feast.
With no fins or feet it does not sink or swim
But is carried by waves to a new island’s rim.

When mature, it’s wood-hard and is all over hair,
Through which three eyes peep at you; a triple stare.
The eyes hold a secret: the map to set free
The sweet treasure inside, white and cool as can be.

Does this verse tell the secret? My friend, it does not.
I’m keeping the bounty for my cooking pot.
Where coconuts grow you’ll find people who’ll tell,
And who’ll teach you to open your coconuts well.

Once opened, its shell is a cup or a dish;
Its husk kindles new fire as quick as a wish,
Or strains the rich cream into hot cooking pans
While the firm flesh is grated by skilled, careful hands.

When young it is bald, and as green as a leaf,
The water inside it brings cool sweet relief.
But still it goes bobbing and travelling at sea,
That coconut fish brave and green as a pea.

For thousands of nautical miles it can go,
Just bobbing around on the waves as they flow.
With good time and tides and the will of the sea
It will find a safe shore and grow into a tree.