Cans of silver

Charles poem

Cans of Silver

For the people for whom a can of
clean water costs a fortune

Every morning on yawning you suffer
dryness of a whole night’s sleep
desiring a mouthwash with fluoride wafer
A towel and brush you grip
and head for the can of water
With great caution you tip
the washing liquid canister
like you would draw a cupful of silver

Then you stop to think. Of the
tea for breakfast whose water may be gone
with the mouth-cleaning spree
A handful of rinses done
and one swipe for facial glee
to make you all clean
The details you free
for you cannot afford another canful of silver

And when the sun goes up
the laundry basin will wait
to host the days’ linen wash-up
Not one clean shirt in the closet
yet the sun may go drab
Looking at your water lot
you doubt it will do the job
With reserve you give in to the plot
For you have only one canful of silver

Or you may turn aside. In silence
surrounded by all the chores
that need water in abundance
Parched spirit, dry hopes
A desperate housewife has to trace
some water for broths
The price of water spells doom
for the unwashed dishes and clothes
Will you just look on while you swim
in plenty of silver?

Charles M Sendegeya, Uganda