Barrier Reef is Alive, Let it Speak

I am the reef beneath the sun’s warm sway. A thousand years old, yet slipping away. Your nets and ships cut deep into my skin, But my heart still beats deep in currents within. You count me as treasure, a thing to own. Yet I am an ecosystem, of coral and stone. Grant me my rights to get up and defend, my waters, my creatures, on whom we depend. I shelter the fish, the whale, the sting ray, I give them safe harbor, a home to stay. Yet you strip my reefs, you plunder my bed, Inflame the climate change curse you spread. I guide the moon to draw tides in prayer. Sprinkle starlight like salt in night's air. I arouse wonder in all who swim here and dive. Yet you deny the rights I need to survive. You write laws for humankind, and for the sea, Write me my rights of nature — that’s my plea. So I can defend my rights with a legal decree. Not as your resource, but as a living entity. I am the Barrier Reef — hear my plea, Grant me my birthright, my will to be. If I could speak, I would wail; I would roar. For you're destroying my life, forevermore. Let me speak; let my life force arise. Hear my roar beneath the tides and skies. I'm not your treasure, not yours to keep. I am alive; let me the Barrier Reef, speak. As a unique Natural Wonder with my own voice. To proclaim my rights; To let the oceans rejoice! The Barrier Reef is Alive! Give it a Voice - Let it Speak Give it rights - Its Natural Rights! Give it a Voice - Let it Speak