Six Pack Ring Marine Life Poem: "A Fizzy Drink Is Drunk"

Content Warning:
This poem addresses real harm done to marine animals and includes themes of cruelty.


The lethal consequences of casually discarded plastic waste are depicted in this six pack ring marine life poem.

Brief and to the point, it follows a journey from innocent human consumption to the prolonged suffering faced by marine mammals and sea life.



A Poem About Plastic Six Pack Rings




A Fizzy Drink Is Drunk

A fizzy drink is drunk
Its encasing blindly sunk
Finds its way around a turtle
With a grip too strong to hurdle

Or washed up on a beach
A seagull's easy reach
Or in the belly of a seal
Mistaken for a meal

Entangling and strangling
In the balance life is dangling
As gaping gasps of breath
Painfully signal death

With a gulp,
a swallow,
and a belch,
oblivious
to the lives
you squelch.



© 2025 Aerwyna. All rights reserved.





The Tragedy of Plastic Six Pack Rings

When I watch this video and others like it, I am brought to tears. Looking into the beautiful faces of these innocent sea creatures and watching them suffer makes me want to do something to help. 



Viewer Discretion Advised: The following video contains real footage of the negative effects of plastic waste on marine life. Some viewers may find it distressing.





Beneath The Surface

There isn't much to interpret here. This poem speaks for itself.

And for those who can't speak for themselves.



A Gentle Pause

A moment, if you need it:

  • What stayed with you after reading?
  • What does "oblivious" mean to you in moments like this?



If This Six Pack Ring Marine Life Poem Stirred Something In You...

There are organizations working to protect marine life and advocate against inhumane practices. Even small actions, such as learning, sharing, and supporting, can contribute to change.

The following organizations are helping to protect and sustain the oceans by reducing and eliminating plastics:

When You Might Return To This Poem

The subject matter is weighty, but perhaps:

  • when there is a need for uncomfortable truths
  • before organizing or participating in a beach cleanup
  • as a call to action



FAQs

Can I share your poems with others?

Yes! I love when my poems resonate enough that you want to share them. For personal use—like including a poem in a letter, greeting card or journal—you're absolutely welcome to do so. If you'd like to share online, I'd appreciate if you share a brief excerpt (a few lines) along with my name and a link back to this page, rather than copying the full poem. This helps other readers discover my work, which means the world to me as an independent writer.

Can I use your poems for commercial purposes?

Commercial use, adaptations, publications, or reproducing full poems requires my permission. Please contact me if you're interested in using my work in these ways—I'm happy to discuss it.

What if I just want to quote a line or two?

Brief excerpts with attribution are fine, especially if you're discussing the poem, using it for inspiration, or sharing what moved you. Just please credit me by name and link back to my site when sharing online.





More Human Impact On Marine Life Poems





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