A GENERATION’S GASP
LOCATION: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA
Hawksbill Turtle, Hatchlings & Tangs
The earth spins as its axis roll,
While for decades long he plays his role.
He swims calm on waving forms,
Offering food and shelter to tangs and all.
For his wrinkled skin and hardened home,
Are the place from which he was born to roam.
A buoyant balance of life and form,
He is gentle yet he swims on strong.
A full life filled with pasts long gone,
Is what was destined in his song.
But now as times grow unclear,
Will the young ever be free of fear?
A dark time finds us now,
When we loose lives for life-less things.
His home is taken by want for wear,
Without consideration and with no care.
And by thoughtless nets, once-used straws and heating swims,
Their world is changing beneath their fins.
The perfect life he has enjoyed.
This too, which should be their gift,
May have taken a downward shift.
For as waters rise on innocent cries,
The air feels less and less, more like lies.
With lifted head and an uncertain stare,
Its time for us to show more and more care.
For at this time if this issue you clasp,
You will unfortunately see a future generation’s gasp.
Oil on Canvas
39.4in x 39.4in
Life-size Subject