Festival Haiku - March 12 World Kidney Day Poem by john tiong chunghoo

let the water flow, let it flow
so that i can clean you up
thoroughly

i come as a pair
to give you a fair chance
to your left, to your right
dont miss the chance
to be fluid,
in thoughts, words
and biological functions

i am the lowest if your body
has its communal caste system
handling all your dirty work
so that you look good
as a prince

even then be good
to me
dont let me dry up
you idiot
or you will be
hanging high and dry

spare me, spare me too
dont let me have your herbal
and unspecified medicines

dont take too much salt
and eat enough seaweed so that
i can be thoroughly cleaned

check me every six months
to see whether i am still working
on your every waste

and sure you will know i still
stand tall with you

sincerely

your dalit