Lighten the load my dear

Unburden the earthen pots filled to the brim with stories that are yours and not yours—with building a vessel for others\ to pour theirs into

and to blend into the thick paste caked to the bottom\ that becomes dead weight

over time.

Rinse the vessel of its residue\ pour out the corroded insides and let fresh water wash over you.

What is meant to be held in there will find its way to remain\ and the rest can become the earthen clay

It’s time to taste the fresh water—there will be tear droplets to bring the salt

to taste the bitter and to taste the sweet.

The waters comingle

to fill the senses

to fill the vessel anew.

This time what you carry will be only what meets the contours of the vessel

as it meets your hands

as they meet anothers’.