Water Trickles

attract young wolves who follow
destination’s source
and a filling of precious fluid
prepares them for the hunt

while in the arid hills of Kandahar
children clamber lower
to a stream awaiting
their chance to fill buckets
as family awaits a safe return.

We prize ourselves
with convenience
a turn of tap
rush of facet’s current for a bath
meandering streams
boastful of fish --

now lay back on your couch
Plasma TV winking
pictures of Delhi children
sharing water
with cattle
soaking in the coolness
summer air choking with tears.

© Richard L. Provencher