Mailbag

Rupert the swan's story should be an inspirationJoe Bell, your curve is distorted this time ("Ticket will pay admission to inspiration," the Bell Curve, Jan. 11).

Why wouldn't Rupert, the Black Swan, a graceful work of nature's world, be the second biggest story of 2006? He was an inspiration! How would you like to be taken from your parents, plopped in a nonnative living space (a cage) without your family or any friends? He had no idea where to find food, fresh water, how to dodge giant yachts and people who didn't respect nature.

He's smart! He retreats to the farthest part of the harbor, behind Newport Island for protection. For some reason he is attracted to red. He swims toward Harbor Patrol fire boats and they are kind, offering him fresh water that he requires. Plus, he now has some great friends. Close to their headquarters, Rupert finds eel grass and finally can eat natural food instead of stale bread and popcorn.

Of course, there are some who don't care about the bay and dump diesel fuel, oil and gasoline in it. Curious Rupert swims through it and survives more than one time with the help of humans. Now that is a fighter.

He comes to warm the hearts of young and old with all he is going through. Others love his grand stature so much they find a female friend, Pearl, for him so there will be more swans to grace the harbor. After much hardship, Pearl dies.

Rupert endures another tragedy. People were always calling the Harbor Patrol checking on Rupert's whereabouts if he was missing for a few days.

One day, he anxiously goes to meet the friends he loves and by accident he is killed. From far and near the news reaches everyone. Rupert's memorial at sea attracted more than 250 people who loved this uncomplicated graceful black swan.

Mr. Bell, figure it out why Rupert's story touched so many. He endured, gave beauty to our harbor and asked for nothing in return. Many will never go through this much distress in a lifetime. There is no loser in this story. Rupert was worth every accolade and more.

GAY WASSALL-KELLY

Balboa Peninsula