Holding Action

I live in a house.

The house is on the bank of the river.

The river is in flood.

Each morning, when I wake up, I look out the window and the river is a little higher.

First, I put rocks on the banks of the river. It kept out the water but the river kept rising.

Next, I put sand-bags behind the rocks. It kept out the water but the river kept rising.

Finally, I put concrete over the sand-bags. It kept out the water but the river kept rising.

This morning, the river has risen again. This morning I have nothing left to try.

Already I see the river lapping over the top of the concrete.

The house is my body, the river my disease.

Today, my house will be washed away.