Swaying steadily in
kaleidoscopic fields,
spectral fans reflect
the turquoise light;
their mottled aura
straining spectra as
warming oceans
bleach branches and
lighten latticework.
Parasitic hues scar the surface,
lacerating living skeletons
with vibrant, polished purples;
their corrupting shadows
smeared across the ferns,
as copper-coloured paint
leaches from beneath a bow.
Artificial colours
permeate the seascape,
their irregular vitality
piercing faded defences;
saturating oceans,
that rise without restraint.
Purple dots scar a sea fan, as a result of multifocal purple spots disease infecting the coral (Image Credit: Allison Tracy).
This poem is inspired by recent research, which has found that metal pollution from agriculture and shipping poses an emerging threat to coral reefs.
Previous studies have shown that warming oceans pose a significant danger