Digital publication | Page 28

AQUARIUS

by Sam Slater

The tap drips, drips,

Thirsty for a drink.

Only drips; better put a head under the sink.

Dry mouth, dry mouth

...what to do?

Plumber informed the tap is missing a screw.

Plumber, plumber, do you have a clue?

Desperate for liquid

Gulping putrid water from a shoe.

Second plumber recommended a mixer tap

This would serve to prevent

Another mishap.

Water water back on now

Filling up the sink.

Plentiful supply,

Unlimited drink.

Floodgates are open

Water level getting higher

No need for new tap

Quick-find the nearest buyer.

Transformed, a mermaid

Glittering tail

Of blue and purple

Riding great waves

On the back of a diamond encrusted turtle.

Mermaid can turn water into wine

No fear. No fear

Life as a sea creature

Is sublime.

Ocean into sea

River

A trickle of a stream

How can it be all over now when it never was a dream?

Tap dry, dry

Drier than Sahara sand

Dehydrated and existing in no man's land.

Return

Learn

Voice concern

About the water supply

Make it crystal clear

Steady flowing

Every day

Until I die.