Requiem for Flint

Latest

Wade in the Water
Wade in the Water, children
Wade in the Water
God’s gonna trouble the water
Mayor Dayne Walling raised
a glass of water before TV cameras
then pushed a black button to
connect the Flint River to
the water’s treatment plant
“It’s regular, good, pure drinking water
and it’s right in our backyard!
he reassured the good people of Flint
as he gulped it down
“This is the first step in the right direction
for Flint, as we take this monumental step
forward in controlling the future of our
community’s most precious resource.”
Gov’ner Snyder, the mayor and all the
civic partners patted themselves on their backs
for saving $80-$100 a day!
Wade in the water . . .
The bait-and-switch plan backfired
and the river burned like fire
on the tongues and bellies of
their mostly poor and black citizenry
There were not enough fingers to go around
when blame skipped town
It was a case of cash before caring
Wade in the water . . .
Who will save a whole generation
poisoned with lead?
Or the children lying in critical now?
Flint fades to black as the river burns like fire
as its people pray for just one drop of water
just one clean drop
to quench their dying thirst
Wade in the Water
—Genny Lim

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

More from the People's Tribune