Sudden Illness

No water, that's just the way it is
The tap turned on with expectation
So American, but this is not America
The spigot blindly hisses nothing

Damn, no shower, dishes go unwashed
Unshaven, the one flush already gone
the toilet becomes a silent enemy
for hours, maybe days, unknown time

True civil service, this expecting water
heat or light or elevators up and down
Utility deprivation, reminder of a captive life
Fifth floor jail, the sentence undetermined

So I write and try not to need to pee
Think of other things, try faucets
betting against myself, expecting dry
getting it, cursing as the hours stretch

A day, then two and compromise
Hauling buckets, agreeing to terms
Balancing desire against necessity
each a minor victory over circumstance

Hand fill the toilet tank and flush
Stove heated water for a shave
Nothing more than alteration of routine
It works, I work and life goes on

Like a Christmas gift out of season
suddenly it's back, rusty and spitting
Then running clear and cheered at
Health regained, after sudden illness