thirst

at the edge of the oak shelf, high above the tiny kitchen five straw baskets perched. like sentinels they sat untouched by daily rituals. one drew my attention. peaking out, winking, beckoning was a yellow tinged paper tightly clutched by the jaws of one dusty sand colored lid. my curiosity mounted. what could be inside?

i straddled the counter, grasping the cupboards for guidance. with braille like accuracy i read the landscape and reached the shelf.

with trepidation i opened the lid.

september 19, 1996. eureka tribune. newsprint meant to shield the belonging inside.
had it been that long?

surrounded by darkened words

the ivory teacup had been cradled for eleven years.

no lips had touched its rim. no fingers to caress the delicate handle. its utility hidden.

and now as it sits perched on the kitchen’s granite counter, it becomes a reminder of that which was once thought to have been lost, can be found.

and as each time it becomes filled, will quench a thirst eleven years in the making.

........inspired by current domestic events......