He was found as the sole occupant of an empty apartment. Mr. Uglyfish was tenderly washed, dried and then wrapped up as a birthday present for yours truly.

What kind of life he led before his discovery, we can only guess. He never talks about it.

So now he sits in my living room, enjoying sunbeams between 1:00 and 3:00, and the occasional dusting.

Who could abandon such a find? Never before has a ceramic fish had such poise, such character, such jowls. The search is on for a Mrs. Uglyfish, but the mister is a bit of a loner. He does enjoy show tunes though. The long walks on the beach may present a problem.

If Mr. Uglyfish can make it in this world, we all can.