Lexie Walker - 2022

Artist Statement

One of the things that most impacted me this semester was learning about the coral reefs. Coral reefs are one of the most important habitats in the world. Around 25% of all marine life is dependent on coral reefs. Coastal regions are protected by the coral reefs, because they help protect against erosion, flooding, waves, storms, etc. Coral reefs also help produce oxygen. 

But they’re dying. And as they’re dying, they’re being ignored. 

The science is there. We know the answers. We just refuse to do anything. 

I decided to write a poem/story of a bleaching event from the perspective of a coral. I tried to imagine what being boiled alive felt like. How dying feels when you know that that’s it, it’s the end, and that no one will do anything.

Poem

A GENTLE VIOLENCE

A DEMON IS SLOWLY MOVING FORWARD,
ACCOMPANIED BY ITS LOYAL HELLHOUND,
THEY TOUR THE OCEANS-
IN SEARCH OF EXPANSION-
LEAVING CHAOS AND DEATH
IN THEIR WAKE.

WITH THE ENCROACHING HEAT,
MY FRIENDS ABANDON ME.
I ALONE REMAIN,
THE LAST CORAL.

THE HEAT COMES AND GOES,
WITH THE WINDOW BETWEEN THEM
SHORTENING EVERY DAY.

THERE IS NO MORE COMING AND GOING.
I SEE THE DEMON AND ITS HELLHOUND.
THROUGH THE HAZE,
THOUGH,
I AM BLIND.

WITH A SINGEL CO