Spence the Expunged Sponge


Spencer was not a delinquent ocean sponge. He was raised properly by his parents, but he made some bad decisions. True, he was under pressure of turbulent ocean currents, but that does not excuse his behavior. So, he ended up spending six months in prison. Being a young adult, this criminal record could make it difficult for him to find employment. So, after he completed his sentence, he went before the judge to get his record expunged. The judge, after careful thought, explained that while Spencer's actions were indeed reckless, the ocean was a place of second chances. "Spencer," the judge began, adjusting her coral glasses, "you may have been caught in a bad tide, but we all know even the strongest of us sometimes get swept away. I'm willing to expunge your record, but you must prove you're ready to clean up your act."


Spencer nodded earnestly. "Thank you, Your Honor. I promise to turn over a new… er, sponge."


The judge smiled faintly. "Good. But first, there's one condition. You must complete 200 hours of community service cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Think of it as making up for all the harm caused by your poor decisions and ensuring you absorb some valuable life lessons."


Spencer gulped. He wasn't exactly thrilled at the thought of spending days soaking up trash, but he knew it was his ticket to a fresh start. With a determined nod, he accepted the condition.


The next day, Spencer found himself on a cleanup team led by an eccentric but dedicated sea turtle named Myrtle. Myrtle wore a faded captain's hat and spoke in riddles that Spencer rarely understood.


"Remember, young sponge," Myrtle said as they floated among floating debris, "a spotless past is not the goal. A spotless ocean is. Now, fetch me that plastic fork before it becomes another unfortunate fish's toothbrush."


As Spencer dove into the work, he discovered something surprising: he was good at it. His porous body was perfect for soaking up oil spills and filtering microplastics from the water. Word of his efficiency spread, and soon other sea creatures were cheering him on.


"Way to go, Spence!" shouted a school of sardines. "You're a real life saver."


"Thanks." Spencer beamed, though he didn't tell them he'd found half a box of life savers in the trash earlier.


After months of hard work, Spencer stood before the judge again, a little grungier but infinitely prouder. "Your Honor, I've completed my service and learned a lot about responsibility—and recycling."


The judge peered over her glasses. "And what about personal growth?"


"I've learned," Spencer said, straightening his seaweed tie, "that it's not about soaking up all the glory. It's about wringing out your mistakes and being ready to absorb the next opportunity."


The courtroom erupted in applause, and the judge banged her gavel. "Well said. Your record is officially expunged, Spencer. Go forth and live as a sponge of integrity."


And so, Spencer the sponge left the courtroom not just expunged, but enlightened. He started a nonprofit to protect the oceans, proving to everyone that even the most porous among us can make a solid impact.



(This story is donated to the public domain.)





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Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com

He/Him/His

"Wisdom begins with wonder." - Socrates
"Learning happens thru gentleness."
"We must reinvent a future free of blinders so that we can choose from real options."  David Suzuki

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