Drought

While elsewhere in the city
water tanks overflow callously
and the life-fluid goes down the drain
the refugee camps at Muthi
face a scarcity.
In spite of incessant rains
their taps run dry
for the fifth successive day
while their dear departed
wait patiently
for oblations of water,
this being the Pitra Paksha,
the moonless Ashvin fortnight,
so sacred to their memory.

The dead will have to persevere
and go thirsty for now
and wait until the next year
for the shradda ceremony
as there is not even a drop
for the living here.

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