water water everywhere

Sunshine glistens off still waters reflecting gnarly trees that line the riverbank. A slight breeze rustles the brittle foliage. Cicadas shrill.

The drought is in its tenth week. Reservoirs are dangerously low. A total fire ban has been imposed and sprinkler systems are forbidden.

Farmers despair. Sunscreen merchants rejoice. Insipid livestock graze arid pastures. Horses drink sparingly from shallow troughs. Dust settles everywhere.

Faulty air conditioners motivate road rage. Passengers swelter. Panel beaters profit from inattention.

Bumblebees swarm the rhododendrons as Pedro paces towards his shed. Daisies and dandelions dot his lush front lawn.

Well-secluded, Trudy documents her neighbour’s apathy with a digital camera. Intermittent clicks capture the unraveling, connection and unlawful hosing.

Water vaguely traverses the cobblestone pathway and spills into a garden where it energizes the sprouting weeds.