44
How do we balance self-care with selflessness?
GIVING WITHOUT BREAKING
I watched her standing at the well
though bone tired
drawing water for others
I watched the bucket grow heavy
in the hands that forgot their own thirst
from the heart that believed
it was she who made the water flow
the lines were long
children with cardboard cones
mothers with clay pots
her sacrifice was her promise
no one will thirst
As the sun set
it cast a golden glow
on palms of blood and raw flesh
No clamoring
No lines
An empty bucket
Propped against the well
As night fell,
she sat against the tree
embracing her cup
drinking deeply at last
By morning
rest will replenish the well
She lifted her eyes to emerging stars
"I do not make the water flow" she whispered
"I am the well."