The African bush lies dying
no leaves on the trees
sparse clumps of grass
dust storms swirling round
no water to be found
just a dry putrid puddle
where once was a lake
animals lie dying
slow agonising deaths
when a few drops of water
would quench their thirst
yet just a few yards away
barricaded by a stout compound
all the water they could drink
Water Aid built and fenced it
elephants driven by desperation
break in and help themselves
small creatures follow in their wake
Man complains to Water Aid, who
throw up their hands in despair
and start again to fence it off
to cut it off from the animals
with ever stronger materials
I see a simple solution
build one for the animals