The well sat in the middle of the town square,
quiet surrounded it in the morning as the sun rose
colors streaked across the sky
in an ever changing pattern.

The soil encircling the well tapped down
by years of footsteps,
villagers dipping in for a bit of water
to take home.

Birds flew overhead
small and quick
resting lightly on the ledge of the well
hoping for a bit of moisture.

How long I stood looking at the white wall
smooth, alone, isolated, a sentinel.
Walking up to the ledge, painted sky blue,
a mirror. I dipped into the cool water and drank.

Refreshed, resting my hand lightly
on the edge looking into the dark.
I see a distant reflection in the water
I think about my life.