I was Beautiful and Blue.
Then I felt the explosions deep within me,
And crude, dark oil spread thru my beautiful blue water.
Don’t you understand?
It’s because of me you breathe.
I was Beautiful and Blue
All of my beautiful animals are dying.
I smell like death.
I cry for help, I cry, “why?”
I was Beautiful and Blue.
Please stop.
I need help.
I hope you know I am not unbreakable.
I am a dying charity.*
I was Beautiful and Blue.
* The line “I am a dying charity” is included as an homage to Palauan Heir Robert Gordon, a
poetic line he shared at SEAL 2017 final presentation in Koror, Palau.