After the Ohio River recedes
A Sewer Runs Through It
When the river rises and then recedes,
It’s obvious we’re in deep trouble
Because it’s like what proceeds
From war-torn cities where the rubble
Remains in the streets months later.
Here, it’s an unbiodegradable “crick”
Coagulating at the Mountain Dude equator,
A jungle of exhausted tires and plastic.
No, this mess isn’t the result of war
But of the arrogant assumption
Of an Olympian right to litter
By the gold medalists of consumption.
Since the town can’t prevent or undo it,
The river runs like a sewer through it.
The river runs like a sewer through it.
Robert Forrey, 2011
