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
Copyright ©
John Anderson
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