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Poem in response to Clean Water and Sanitation
June 2018

Thirst – A Sonnet

By Ilana Arougheti
CC Image Courtesy of Matthew Peoples

O water so impure, why must I try

So hard to shake your taint of rot and ground?

You fill the air, but I’m left high and dry:

Two-thirds of me, but not one drop around.

 

The tang of grit pairs poorly with your flow;

I miss how easy safe quench should have been.

You should power my steps and fuel my glow;

Instead I fear you rot me from within.

 

When not one pipe in town runs safe and clear,

The worst of promises drown in each drink;

The worst of viral dangers rest so near,

The worst of rainbows stain each spoiled sink.

 

Well-wishers lack a gladder tale to tell,

And will ‘till Earth’s true lifeblood finds the well.

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