Nanu T. (1975)
When soda water was poured into liquor, it tried to escape in a fizz of bubbles. In the midst of its struggle, an unintended conversation began between the soda and the liquor. Inspired by this imaginative scene, I crafted the following lines.
When soda fell in liquor’s glass,
It fizzed and fought, it could not pass.
The liquor smirked and softly said,
“Why rush so fast? Be still instead.”
But soda flared with bubbling air,
“You trapped me here, it isn’t fair!
I’m soft and light, a gentle drink,
Not meant for spirits harsh and stink.”
The bubbles slowed, the sparkle died,
As liquor leaned and then replied,
“You see, you yield beneath my will,
Your restless heart is bending still.”
A final whisper rose from deep,
As soda sank in silent sleep,
“You cunning, strong intoxicant,
You drain my soul, so arrogant.
I’ve lost my fizz, I’ve lost my cheer,
You’ve made me what I once would fear.”
Then soda sighed its fading breath,
Like quiet tears that speak of death.
As glasses clinked and laughter grew,
No one heard its last adieu.
It cried aloud, yet none could tell,
“You hide your harm behind a spell.
You mask your truth in fleeting cheer,
I once was whole now I’m not here.”
And on the label, bold and plain,
A truth was written, not in vain:
“Drinking harms both health and mind,”
A warning lost on humankind.
