Irony

In their hidden world
on Barrow Island
the ospreys look after each other,
so it has been observed,
and raise their young.
The native island mouse
and golden bandicoot,
and our biggest lizard,
the handsome perentie,
go about their business
evading introduced predators —
now that those predators
have been reduced.
Graceful green turtle and dugong
glide and turn in the clear water near shore.

Oddly enough,
when the oil extraction stops,
all these fragile species and more
may be worse threatened
by eco-tourists. The conservation workers
work while they can. And possibly pray.

April PAD Challenge #6: Hidden

Also submitted for Poets United Poetry Pantry #96