Badlands.

by Poet on the Piano   Jun 26, 2020


We're running out of water.

It's been two weeks and we've
stocked up at the store,
recycling, conserving any
water we can

deciding what is essential;
our thirst comes first.
Our skin can wait a few days,
as we pray for nature
to provide us with
complimentary drops.

I've been hyper-aware of
how much I drink,
trying to find the balance
between dehydration
and over-saturation.

I keep bottles next to me.
I count them every day,
knowing I should be
grateful but at the same time,
wanting to starve my
lungs.

We're running out of water,
waiting on a new well.

They've been drilling and
drilling, desperate to find
a proper location

but I'm still contaminated.

I've been poorly drained
before, always left with
mildew and heartache.

Now, you've eroded me.
I'm begging to be replaced.

I'm running out of water,
though everyone around me
is free to shower and drink
and wash in luxury,

I am depleted

(I've done this to myself).

6


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Latest Comments

  • 3 years ago

    by nouriguess

    What I like about most of your writes is that you just pour out your heart and still manage to come up with striking and original poetry.

  • 3 years ago

    by D.

    I read this poem half a dozen times. There's something almost hypnotic about it. There's a desperation, a frustration that lingers throughout. It's masterfully written.

  • 3 years ago

    by Milly Hayward

    Particularly topical at this time with the weather hotter than normal (in the UK at least) and no rain for what seems forever. I realised it was a metaphor and a great one at that but the running out of water was initially what grasped my attention because I'm not a great lover of water but have been having to drink it to keep hydrated. Glad to see it nominated. Milly x

  • 3 years ago

    by Everlasting

    I read this piece over and over again and I cannot pin point why I like it so much. I get immerse in the words.
    Specially with “we are running out of water,” “I’m running out of water.” It just hits me for unknown reasons. It intrigues me so much. Thanks for sharing.

  • 3 years ago

    by Star

    This soooooo sad and very creative I felt like screaming after reading this. ! You nailed the metaphor!!
    The poetry this week is just so beautiful, I want to nominate every poem.

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