'Paradise'

Norfolk Pines beside me... car behind me.

Beige sand sinks underfoot, grains between my toes

Azure waves crash against the shore.

The squawk of seagulls ringing inside my ears
...melting away my fears.

Sun radiates against my skin.

Crowds wade the depths... I take a step.

A rush of joy fills my soul,

As I enter the water, I am truly whole.

Something harsh brushes against my leg

I hastily retreat, my eyes finally open.

Rubbish dots the beach like unwanted spots.

Trash sloshes lazily in the water.

Bird battles against a plastic bag: Flap Flap, thud.

Fish in water struggles with wrappers: Slosh, slosh thud.

Turtle. Straw in nostril: Grunt, grunt thud.

Still, they splash and frolic, toss bits and bobs into the blue, cackling with laughter

Unaware? Surely not. They know what happens once their litter hits the cerulean.

Paradise? Yeah, right. A beautiful sight? No. I see its plight.