i thirst

               i thirst for a drink
                from your tarnished cup
                                but
                          teach me first
                        to sup life's water,
                                        soothe
               some tired, bleeding feet,
                               and   bandage
                              broken, wounded souls.
                                then ...
                        let me stroke
                                the battered cup,
                            draw it to
                                my feeble lips,
                                     and taste the liquid.