For want of a 3 dollar part

the water flowed too fast

It no longer gurgled

or washed gently over the hands

It was filled with violence

Splashing out of the sink

Soaking everything on the counter

Running onto the floor.

For want of a 3 dollar part

The cabinet began to warp

the magazines became sponges

and the paper goods fell apart

The tiles began to crack

floorboards began to rot

Soon there was a hole

and the next floor was wet.

For want of a 3 dollar part

the bathroom was unusable

the people had to move out

or they might rot as well

Yet all it took was that 3 dollar part

from the pluming supply

to make the mess go away

So the people could stay.