Herbert Nehrlich - Gutters And Downpipes

It's always those who,
while in shallow waters
point out to others that they are,
and give advice of how,
and when and why
to extricate yourself.
Yet they are ignorant
of all but downpipe scum,
which, incidentally
accumulates with patience
like foul saliva, near the spout.
And on most days
the pipes are empty,
sound hollow
and exotic until
the rains come down
and race through all,
a fleeting glimpse
of intellect perhaps?
Sadly, it's not to be,
for, in the end
both pipe and gutter
sweat in the sun
and glare with envy
at garden hoses
which are full of water.

Herbert Nehrlich

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