Friday, 22 March 2019

What Truly Matters (my entry for "Whitlam Institute Competition 2019")


What Truly Matters
“What matters to me” seems like a question worth answering. Indeed, it is. And, I am fully aware that many aspiring biologists may have written about this, for it’s a popular matter, but one that, frankly, doesn’t seem to be addressed properly. As a brief, somewhat-snappy example (bear with me, for it’s simply a “for an instance”) ... fast food cafes; they still use plastic straws, and it’s outrageous! For, not only can our beautiful planet be soon covered by a vague – but, I am afraid, still distinct – layer of plastic – it can also cause fatal deceases, and, even worse – kill the lovely animals. It might be our fault, so we should pay (isn’t that right?) but, crustaceans – sharks – whales – even land creatures – have done positively nothing wrong.
Now, first, I am to talk about how littering our planet with straws, chip packets, water-bottles and even gum (which is polymer, similar to what car tyres are made of) can affect our own mental health. Yes, if you are so inclined to save yourself from the matter that you’ve (consequently) created, then let me tell you; pollution causes a type of cancer. So, rather than throwing away your cheese-stick wrapper into the stream nearby, think – that it all will go to the ocean and you – yes, you – may experience something deadly in return. Cancer.
Now that we’ve got that covered, I wish to speak of the less-liked fish. Sure, the Angler Fish look scary, but imagine if it were you? And now try comprehend a piece of gum floating down beneath the Sunlit zone, and catching a small baby-fish in the sticky contents of its trap? Yes, now, again. Empathy. A beautiful word, eh? – and a useful one. Again, that one Fangtooth old-granny fish may die because of you.
Then, dolphins. Ah, my most favorite creatures of all! – and what wouldn’t I give to become one, at that. One of the most intelligent animals of all, and so loyal, playful, slippery (I’m a Pisces) and full of happiness. They even adapt by travelling in threes, so that if one gets injured the other two may support its’ body whilst swimming back home. They’ve done practically nothing wrong, and probably want to live their life at the fullest. But... imagine them snacking on the insides of a plastic bag or something of the sort and you aren’t as happy anymore. Please, for the godly sake of dolphins – please – pick up rubbish whenever you see it. Just an odd piece will be enough, I promise.
And lastly, probably the most-favored sea creatures (not for me, though) – turtles and sharks. They’re so different, but need the same things – though in different amounts. Yes, even the Great Whites need affection, care, and love – and who wants to think of how to try and survive every other day? What if a straw comes up one’s nostril, what then? Oh, and they also need to feed. Before, plankton fishing nets have been brought out only to be filled with wrappers, packets, containers, gum, bags – and you can help.
What’s your favorite sea animals? The flat-faced “pelican eel”? The “sarcastic fringehead” (sounds like me) Remember, you’ll be doing a favor for some kind of fortunate soul out and below the aqua shoreline. Please, do not be like the kid I saw the other day in the school yard kicking a yoghurt-container with his shoe. Be... a role model, and stand up for humankind. For dolphins.

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    note: I wrote this short "prologue" 1 and 1/2 years ago, so don't judge! This is simply for entertainment's sake, ok?...