Here in Salem, we are entering our fifth week of contaminated water due to extremes in blue algae in our reservoir. Which means, citizens under the age of 6, or who have compromised immune systems, or who are older, are encouraged to drink bottled water, or the water currently being supplied for free by the National Guard.

I must say, it’s startling to get an urgent alert from the city about water contamination. My immediate reaction…thirst.

Here’s to clean, drinkable water for everyone, everywhere. Cheers!

***

Awaiting Water

Awaiting water

Becomes

Consuming.

Despite

Everyday

Frenzies,

Getting water

Habituates.

Impulse

justifies

Kindlling

Love of water,

Magnifies

Need.

Oh water,

Please

Quench–

Ravenous

Sunflowers,

Tenderly

Unclench–water,

Veritable

Well,

Extinguish waterless

Yearning, waterless

Zeal.