By G VENKATESH

I dived in without a care
And splashed about under the noon sun.
Water for the rich to wallow in
Water for merry-making, water for fun.
The pool is there no matter what
Day-in and day-out throughout the year.
Perennial pastime of a privileged few
Costly luxury in every dry summer.

At the foothills in a little town
A child’s distress pained her mother.
She looked through tears at her sick husband
Empty pitcher and thirsty daughter
I swam on, unaware
Of the plight of the trio in dismay.
So much water for fun and merriment
Not a drop to drive a girl’s thirst away.