the large jar lays
beside the well of the city’s forefather
where generations with thirsting lips
have stooped to sip in the midday heat

history,
tradition,
a way of life;
dirty garments,
shackles
cast aside

the small cracks around its overused mouth ,
wettened by the well water ,
begin to dry
in the radiant Sun

Listen to a conversation about this poem on the Reformed Journal Podcast.

Photo by Anna Zhuravleva on Unsplash