A Lump of Clay
Skilled hands manipulate clay
finding within the lump
an image,
at times heavy,
anchoring itself in drab
gray ugliness
finding charm only in utility
at times earthiness,
finding elegance
in color and proportion.
Occasionally delicacy, shape
and hue combine
producing delightful visions.
All experience transformation
at the hearth,
some not surviving
white hot heat,
others flawed by it.
Once in a while,
Water,
Earth,
and Fire combine
and yield
grace -- symmetry.
Published High Desert Review,
1999 |
