Sea Lions

SEA LIONS BY DAN BEAM, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 40” X 30”

HEARD ON ROCKY SHORE

I am Sea Lion.

I am one of the bold, vocal ones.

We have a lot to say.

We bark, grunt, squeal, bleat, belch or growl,

Any way that lets us be heard.

We speak from the top of the rocks

On the sandy shore,

While floating on the sea

Or resting on wooden piers.

Our voices carry across the waves and up to the hilltops,

So that everyone knows we are here.

We will not be ignored.

We will stand out.

Grandmother Ocean needs our voices…

Now, more than ever.

We will speak our minds.

We believe we have them for a reason.

We will not leave this place

With our songs unsung.

We will be remembered.

What did you say?

Can you speak up?

I can’t quite hear you.

—by Dan Beam