Unforeseen Appearance By Mahsin Mohammad Safwan Executing a beach clean-up is exceedingly beneficial in a lot of different ways. Making the beach a nicer, safer place for tourists to travel and satisfying their appetite. Cleaning the beach also refers to a better coastal and ocean ecosystem for the marine beasts. A group of volunteers, including myself, had gathered for a beach clean-up, prepared to get rid of the coastal plastic debris and other pollutants. As I sifted the trash, collecting discarded bottles and wrappers, I heard a soothing melody carried on the breeze- Beneath the waves where corals sway, In deep blue homes, we fish do play. But skies above turn darker grayPollution clouds our ocean's day I swam through forests, kelp, and shell, But now I dodge a plastic hell. Cans and bottles, bags that swell Why have you humans cast this spell? Fish and whales, the dolphins too, We dance in waves, our song is true. But as your trash pollutes the blue, We suffer cause of the things you do You walk the beach and watch the sea, A world that should be wild and free. But take a moment, hear my pleaStop the waste, let us be. I am just a simple fish With hopes and dreams, a heartfelt wishTo swim in waters clean and swish, To live in peace, no withered, nor squished. So, if you care, if you can hear, Please keep our oceans bright and clear. Reduce the waste, remove the fear, Give us a world we all hold dear. I followed the melody to a cluster of rocks near the water’s edge, where an unknown creature was perched. “Hello?” I called out, unsure of what it would say back to me. “Hello,” the voice replied. It was very calming, like the sea on a quiet day. I peered around the edge of the rocks and saw something incredible. What I saw there, was a sea angel half of my size. Its translucent wings shimmered with iridescent colors, and its delicate body seemed to glow from within. I was mesmerized, but I didn’t realize I was speaking to something more than just a beautiful creature. “Who are you?” I asked, still entranced by the sight. The sea angel tilted its head slightly, its eyes focused on mine. “I am just a spirit lost in these waters,” it replied. “I found refuge in this body, but it is not my own. The pollution and waste in the ocean have disrupted the natural order, causing confusion and loss.” I was taken aback. “A lost spirit? How did you end up here?” The sea angel fluttered its wings gently. “The ocean is not as it once was. The pollutants humans throw into the sea cause chaos and confusion. This spirit was adrift, struggling to find its way. It found refuge in my body, but it seeks to return to its rightful place. Unfortunately, the pollution disrupts the natural balance, making it difficult for lost spirits to find peace and home.” I felt a pang of guilt as I looked at the trash bag in my hand, filled with plastic waste and other debris. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t realize how much damage we were causing.” “You can help,” the sea angel said. “The creatures of the sea are suffering. The dolphins, the turtles, the whales- all of them feel the effects of pollution, but they also know that there are humans like you who want to make a difference. You can be a bridge between the sea and the land. If you are willing, you can help the sea creatures to restore the ocean’s balance. I nodded, determined to do something to help. “What can I do?” I asked. “Continue to clean the beaches, speak out against pollution, and educate others about the importance of preserving our oceans,” the sea angel replied. “If you do those things, you will find that other sea creatures will come to your aid. Together, we can make the world a better place.” I felt a sense of purpose. I knew that this was only the beginning of my journey to make a difference. “It’s an honor!” I said. “I will do whatever I can do to help and this is my vow.” The sea angel smiled, and the lost spirit within it seemed to find a moment of peace. “Thank you,” it said. “Your efforts will make a difference.” As I walked back to the cleanup area, I knew I had a new mission. The sea creatures were counting on me, and I was ready to be their voice, working with them to protect the oceans, and ultimately, the world.
