Please,

take what you need

don’t give in to greed

someone anywhere

down to one glass of milk there

drink what you need here

another, naught to wipe baby’s rear

take only what’s needed

warnings, be heeded

what if you, running about

find all H20 out

the last case, someone lifted

water filters, all gifted

what if agua, unfiltered

hazardous, muddled be

with unhealthy debris

I’m saying it clear

don’t take the last, dear

never waste anything

even trash can be turned

into treasure and rings

for someone in need

donate, do a good deed

give them half your share

if you dare

if you care

take only what you need.

-Sandra Johnson

(Inspired by the Robyn Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass quote: “Take only what you need.”)