Wetsox Puddlesplasher,

That is my name.

My job is important

But it feels like a game.

***

We clamber through ditches,

And sink in the mud.

We jump down from earth mounds

And land with a thud.

***

Soggybottom Puddlesplasher,

My close relation,

Is my partner at work,

This mucky vocation.

***

***

***

But that is no matter,

There’s no turning back.

We have to keep going,

And fill our sack,

With bottles and cans,

Some broken, some shredded,

That were dropped by the stupid,

The thoughtless, wrong-headed.

***

These everyday things,

Used once and tossed out,

Are dangerous now,

To the others about

Their business as usual,

Living their lives.

They step on a shredded can,

That cuts like knives.

They eat plastic pieces

Or cigarette butts,

Which hurt them as much,

As the broken glass cuts.

***

So our job is important

And we’ll always stay

Proud Puddlesplashers,

Day after day.