‘A Samaritan woman came to draw water.’ John 4:7

I am the way, the truth and life. John 14.6

The Well

Encounter

‘A Samaritan woman came to draw water.’  John 4:7

I heard a voice that set the wind in my heart free

We met alone, strangers at the well

outside town

outside convention

outside ourselves.

Water, draw water

from this ancient well,

draw it, woman, Samaritan;

give me a drink, friend.

His first words cut, I shivered awake,

a taboo was broken;

I was pulled out of my trance.

I lowered the pot off my head,

seized my wits, spirited my own tongue. My own words crackled back at him.

How could he ask this of me?

His words pierced with authority,

He knew the living waters

He knew the gift of God

He knew eternal life.

I turned away and stared down the well,

this stone water hole of memory,

this deep canister of echoing voices;

with sisters I have laughed, cried around it,

shared stories, murmured complaints

but never dared question

these ancient stones of Jacob,

governance of our lives

though never our hearts.

This stranger began to tell me

everything I had ever done,

yet I told him nothing.

I knew I could assuage no thirst

I knew my well was dry

I had already sapped five husbands.

The fabric of my shame was touched,

I shivered, saw a shadow,

my own need tumble

into the black depths of the well.

I saw myself in truth.

I was given back myself.

I don’t need this bondage.

I don’t need this need.

I was awakened.

And I left the well,

I left the water jar,

I praised God,

I, who was no longer thirsty.

by Carol O'Connor

Featured image courtesy of inspired2go.org.