To us, the ocean is a sanctuary.

Its waves carry our childhood,

the careless summer days when we splashed

amongst the water and returned home

dripping wet. 

The pavement felt warm beneath

our feet.

To them, the ocean is a waste yard

Plastic bottles, paper straws, half-empty cans of beer

floating in the ugly, blackened water.

They recoil as the tide inches towards them

like a disgusting monster.

The winter breeze makes them shiver.

To us, the ocean is a friend.

We leap with happiness into its arms,

letting it softly caress our dry skin.

It swirls playfully about our fingers and toes,

glistening in the auburn sunset.

At a young age, we learn the meaning of trust.

To them, the ocean is an enemy.

They hide from its menacing waves.

that have washed away so many homes

and ended so many lives.

Every year they dread the numbers

that tell them the threat is drawing closer.

At a young age, they learn the meaning of fear.

To us, the ocean is a nurturer.

We imagine the colorful schools of clownfish

dancing among its seagrasses

and watch as the dolphins leap gracefully into the air

one by one.

For a second, they seem to be soaring amongst the clouds.

Our hearts beat to the rhythm of waves

crashing upon the sandy beach.

To them, the ocean is a murderer.

They imagine the lifeless body of sea turtles 

washed upon shore

with plastic bags wrapped tightly around their throats

and watch as the beautiful coral reefs

become ghastly skeletons because the water

is too hot.

Their tears are lost in the waves

resting silently on the sandy beach.

How do we face them, 

the generation who will never be able to see

through our eyes?

Will an apology ever be enough to

bring back all that they have lost?

Will we ever be courageous enough to

tell them that 

we are the betrayers,

and them, the betrayed?