Echoes of the Tide
Deltona, FL
2024, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
Beneath the waves, deep and wide, lies a tale that the ocean cannot hide. The whispers and cries of ancestors, carried by the sea, their strength and courage, passed down to me.
From shores where dreams were born and dreams were shattered, to lands where freedom’s light finally mattered. In this safe place, the music of the ocean whispered to me, a symphony full of elegance and grace.
We can undoubtedly persevere, if we have hope and courage, while the seas rise and the storms intensifies, surely, we will have a bright future with shiny blue oceans as magnificent as the heavens above.
Our past was forged on these watery plains, with sweat and tears, with losses and gains. Yet in these depths, we find our power, to stand strong together, to face this hour.
The ocean’s might, both friend and foe, teaches us the way we need to grow. In unity and love, we find our stride, to protect these waters, to turn the tide.
As black youth, our future intertwined, with the health of the sea, with humankind. We’ll lead the charge, with voices clear, to safeguard the planet, to cherish what’s dear.
The ocean’s call, we heed with pride, to heal the world, to turn the tide. For in its depths, our history lies, a source of strength as we arise.
Reflection
Reflection
The history of the sea holds profound significance for African Americans. My thoughts of the ocean is that it’s a symbol of both suffering and survival and that it has been central to the African American diaspora’s narrative. During the transatlantic slave trade, the sea was a passage of pain, carrying millions from their homelands to unknown shores. Despite the problems which occurred, the strength of those who went across the ocean had set up the foundation for future generations to come. To this day, the ocean still continues to play an important role, but climate changes are setting new problems that we have to overcome. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and pollution greatly impact coastal communities, many of which are predominately African Americans. These changes threaten homes, livelihoods, and health , making the fight against climate change critical. As a black teenager today, understanding the ocean’s historical and current significance is essential. Knowing of this history can inspire a sense of duty to lead in combating climate change. The ocean’s story fuels the drive to create a future where the seas are protected and this persistently continues.