I Told the Water
—after Tarfia Faizullah
I told the water you’re wrong
I take you for granted I went to the hospital
wearing only my skin Today
I still have my skin No more
lead No more lead (only for
writing!) Can I take a shower
in you please? What else do I have
to say? Huh? Sorry
water for screaming I wish
you were still clean
***
When They Turn the Clean Water On
When they turn the clean water on again
I will drink it happily. I will cherish it.
I will use it for things that are necessary.
I will try not to use it for slime (not guaranteed).
I will dance in the shower to celebrate.
***
The Faucets of Flint
What if sprinkles came out of your faucets?
What if mini you’s came out of your faucets?
Instead ashes came out from a building in Flint.
Instead fungus came out of your faucets and who wants
fungus in their faucets like in Flint. Who wants
lead in their faucets which they do in Flint?
***
Dear Water
I hope you recover. Lead
ruined you. All we wanted
was clean water, but you gave us
dirty water. Lead got in our
school pipes so we can’t
drink you. Hopefully you
don’t spread more lead.
I know I’m using lead
to write this letter but
I don’t want to.
Thank you, water.
Sincerely,
Danna