The Water Bearer

I have walked miles
and miles
to fill this ache
of carrying
a pot full of water
that no one wants;
and so I sit now
under a cruel sun
who sucks every drop out,
only so I can send
a quiet, fervent prayer
to summon the clouds,
that are already gathering
over the untilled earth,
to take it all
and pour it forth
into every drop of rain,
to grace the hearts
of those who pined
for the water of life
with only a half turn
of their trembling face.