We’ve been conditioned
to be thankful for the flotsam,
-leftovers from every tragedy.
“Look what the flood gave us.”
As we sift through the soaked remains.
“This is just the way things are,”
you say.
But no.
You caused this.
You dammed the rivers.
You broke the dams.
You caused the floods.
And tell us to be thankful,
that “At least you don’t have nothing.”
As if you wouldn’t monetize
the very air we breathe.
Charl Landsberg is a transgender South African poet, writer, artist and musician who’s work often focusses on issues of feminism, social justice, and occasionally a bit of fantasy and science fiction.