Staring up at the sign above the exhibit hall, I couldn't help but wince. In big blue letters read the words "Modern Day Ocean," yet inside withheld nothing that deserved to be associated with such title. Young children ran past me, their mother slowly trailing behind, as their eyes scanned the walls of the exhibit hall.
One child was quick to run up to a showcased item, "Mommy! Mommy! What is this animal called again?"
"Well honey, this is what we call a Plastic Bag," their mother said wearily. The young child gasped in awe at the item and reached up to give it a touch.
The mother quickly grabbed the child's hand, "Remember what I told you about touching the exhibit pieces."
The child was not slow to respond, "But Mommy, this is my favorite ocean animal! I see them at the beach all the time!"
"Let's just keep looking at the other animals honey," their mother states, guiding her children further down the hall.
My eyes slowly trail throughout the exhibit as I take note of the many disappointing sights before me. Countless items of garbage are showcased and tubs of oil were presented as if they were as glorious as an ancient Egyptian tomb. Frames were hung around the exhibit with photos that contained no vibrant blues, but rather darkness of the body of water we still somehow call Ocean."
There were no Fish, Dolphins, Whales, or any species for that matter. There was only mere pollution that could have easily been recycled if cared for properly. Reality sets in as I realize no one will ever be able to experience the true magic of the ocean waves and feel the beautiful breeze sitting on the sand.
Waves are more painful as if even attempting to be swum in, one will find themselves brushed with millions of pieces of plastic. The breeze now smells of oil and filth and the sand is littered with trash making it painful to be seated upon.
Tears well into my eyes as I realize society had gone too far and the problem can no longer be fixed. Thoughts race in my mind and I find myself wondering why I had never done anything to help years before it got to this point.
My ears tune into a voice I had heard much earlier, "Wait Mommy, what's this animal?"
"Well honey, that is what we call a Plastic Bottle."
YOU ARE READING
The Ocean Exhibit #PlanetOrPlastic
NouvellesA National Geographic Contest Short Story The year is 2050 and the Earth's Oceans have changed dramatically. We find ourselves reflecting on the Ocean's current state at a museum's exhibit "Modern Day Ocean." Prepare to read the drastic effects...
