Less than one percent of Earth’s
water is potable. Drinkable.
The fact leaves me thirsty,
and searching the internet
for water filtration systems.
Potable comes from Old French
comes from the Latin potare.
Related to potion and poison.
Ninety-nine percent of Earth’s water
is poison to me. Salty or swimming
with bacteria. 
My kid has been coughing all winter.
I’ve brewed teas and poured thick
syrups onto spoons. Transformed water 
into eucalyptus mist. Suctioned snot
and sprayed salt. Parent is derived from
potion maker. I incant, here, drink this,
as the ocean creeps closer to our door.