

A world divide, one half untethered
by rules, made by fools
The other sticking to a plan
They have a text they must follow
Regardless of how much it may hurt
They never have fresh clothes
As water is severely restricted
Play for children is strictly monitored
To half an hour a day
To speak of the future is forbidden
Punishable by fines and imprisonment
Travellers are told to move on
Needless to say,
this half of the world is shrinking
While the other half is flourishing
Life is good where there are no rules
The water here flows freely
Thanks to their forefather’s careful planning
There is sufficient for all
The untethered half works
like clockwork under glass…
© Anita Dawes 2021