Water Democracy

Water is like spirit.
It goes where it wills to go.
God causes the sun to shine
And the rain to fall
On the good and bad alike.

Water is democratic!

So even as some public lands were flooded for the common good . . .
Even as some private enterprises received protection for the common good . . .
Even as some renters were evacuated to who knows where . . .
And some homeowners were stranded on islands of prosperity . . .

The poor and the rich alike lost everything.
The rich and poor alike contend with
Mud and mold
Dirt and grime
Stench and stain
Waterlogged insulation
Limited time to recover

When the banks of the rivers changed, the waters did not discriminate
High places
Low places
Riverside condos
Creek-side shacks
Gated communities
Fated 'hoods
Rural villages Suburban subdivisions
Urban townhouses

True democracy.

The Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton is the Lead Editor for African American Resources at The United Methodist Publishing House, and she pastors the Emery United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Copyright © Marilyn E. Thornton, 2010. All rights reserved. Posted with permission.