CRACKED CLAY

You're a long narrow
ochre vase
cracked and dry
your earthen body
disintegrating

all colour gone
rubbed off, faded
the painted green and yellow plants
despairing
of ever seeing light again

Stealthily I pour into you
oils and balms
words of hope
words of love

hoping they'll seep through
to smooth your surfaces
fill in the cracks
bring back the colours

hoping to see
the flowers return
your body become supple
with moisture and light