into the potter’s ground
starting the kiln
pottery pieces are well-prepared
for animation
after sitting on shelf
defying limitations
potters’ hands
age-old but consistently steady
creating in solitude
rhythmically firing
on all cylinders
stoking the coals
it’s okay to burn your hands
but not your soul
breathing new life
into ancient designs
cycles come and go
whether you’re dead or alive
but as for the potter
she will always win
no matter the season
november two thousand eighteen
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved