235 Db
Flushing, NY
2017, Senior, Poetry & Spoken Word
Beyond the rhythmic clapping of waves on the scalding, summer sands,
a complex composition reverberates
so far out of reach.
Weaving of a mosaic web,
through echolocation whales sing.
The ones who look the quietest,
ambient noises the reefs make.
And the highest, daintiest notes of all
the snapping of cleaner srhimp claws
advertise its gratuitous services.
For prey, protection, partnership,
inadvertent music made.
But inconsiderate neighbors are
who thrill at joining artlessly.
The rasping sputter-spatter of ship propellers
create a catchy new beat.
The powerful, measured explosions of air guns:
Boom!
Boom!
The kid holding the cymbals smile proudly
–a most charming cacophony.
Delightful destruction.
Like a reversed siren song,
whales go mad
for the ear-splitting vibrato
of man-made naval sonar shrieks.
So enchanting they clamber onto beach shores
–a slow, blissful death.
Mezzo crescendo… Crescendo…
And the final climax…
Fortissimo!
The stunned audiences of the sea
can only remain helpless
as the senseless intruders resumed
with an unwelcome encore.
Da Capo.
Bibliography
“Discovery of Sound in the Sea” DOSITS: Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 June 2017. Science Wire: How Does Sonar Work? Whales and Sonar | Exploratorium. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 June 2017.
Sonic Sea “Impact of Noise on Marine Animals.” (n.d.): n. pag. Sonic Sea. Web. 01 June 2017.
Reflection
Reflection
While not garnering the same amount of attention as the other more visual types of pollution, noise pollution should be viewed with just as much concern because of the unknown long-term effects. Even now consequences are beginning to surface, such as the physical effects the noise is having on marine animals' stress and the increasing frequency of beached whales. After doing some research, it is fascinating to see how much of the marine world is based on sound, and while humans may not be able to fully empathize with their way of life, we should stop this "out-of-hearing, out-of-mind" mindset and stop destroying the lifestyle of these marine animals.