"ocean repairs" By Erinn Luo

Photo by Ishan on Unsplash

she walked across the sand
laced with empty soda cans.

her daughter clasped her hand, turning her fingers white
she stared at the sea
that was once calm
now oils seep in, painting a permanent picture
and all she saw were the eternal stains. 
a symphony of the once limpid waters
from the sea behind her.

it can be fixed she thinks
so she starts picking up plastic
from the sea’s foamy arms
her daughter behind, following suit
bottle by bottle, she fills up a bag
and then she repeats.
 

she walks on the parched sand 
with seagulls propped upright
their plumage greased 
and stomachs filled with bottle caps.

we can fix this she chants softly
soon five bags filled with litter rest on the beach
she stares at the sea again, a few spiderweb cracks fade
she smiles. the oceans can be healed
but she’ll need help. 
so she takes her daughter to spread the word

and she says: now it’s up to you.

Erinn Luo is fifteen years old; she lives in Stony Brook, New York. Erinn spends her time volunteering at the Avalon Nature Preserve, part of the Avalon Nature Initiative, and the Destination Science summer camp; she also likes sketching still life and writing. Her passions include medicine and science, along with giving back to her community. Erinn’s writings are usually inspired by climate change and society’s mindsets.