scrawled in sand, closer to the Reef, a picture of two axolotls, a hermit crab, a punch shrimp, a stingray, and an octopod floating over a shark is next to it. the stingray's tail is raised as a sword, pointed at a dying shark. the octopod stands strong, victorious over it. it is wearing a diving mask, a stingray tail in one hand and a peg leg in the other
Air-Breather; Truth-Teacher,
eight legs to count and point,
lush colors dappled with mirth,
with the stories of the above.
I had a gasp of the air, not once, but twice.
Harsh it stung my body,
but Wise-Warrior Air-Breather spun and soared,
better than fish who fly.
Octopolis,
ruled by the cruel,
dream of the Air, reject the cost:
Noble-Father Air-Breather who moved the shells,
sees beyond mortal death and aesthetic blight:
oh Kind-Kin Air-Breather, honored am I to be your knight!
When the lesser ones gave insult and spat,
for your trust in me,
we killed them to a man,
and took him to top to see,
the great ocean above,
as the air stung its body,
it swore to you oh Patient-Planner Air-Breather,
a lesser joined your banner!
Oh, The Singing Mountains were not enough,
the beast with eyes apart, mouth wide,
tried to bite me for kindness,
but you Steadfast-Steward Air-Breather,
rode and stabbed till it cried!
Oh, Air-Breather! The reef flourishes with your guiding hands,
and one day I know,
you will change the minds of fish and friends,
and I will call the Reef home.