Cape Town, South Africa, is in a drought.
Every drop of water they must measure out.
People only get fifty liters a day.
Of water, they don’t waste much away.
Those who take too much are publicly shamed.
Usage has dropped. They don’t want to be blamed.
Neighbors keep close eyes out for water waste.
If one uses too much, they are fined and disgraced.
In America, water runs in the gutter.
While liters and liters, the sprinklers sputter.
The showers tend to flow as long as one wishes.
Consumption isn’t confined to 50-liter dishes.
Cape Town is trying to get by on water so little.
The thirsty people are forced to drink their spittle.
They have managed to conserve their small supply.
They have to conserve, or everything will die.
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50 Liters a Day
by Stephanie Daich
