The factory thrusted and pounded, puffed, and its afternoon siren screamed its deafening blast and warning, marking the hour for labourers miles away in the backdams and sugarcane fields of endeavour.

I was terrified that once loose, once I lifted or lost my control, I would rise from my seat and dance like a puppet, up and down the aisles. I would open my mouth, and screams, shouts and field hollers would tear out my tongue in their rush to be free.

About 1953, the species was reported from the canal and lakes between Palavas and Perals (Herault) but the fish may have been escapées from nearby rearing ponds.

With this, he hung them up aloft, upon a tamrick bough, As eyeful trophies …