I am creating a series of art and poems based on the words Jesus spoke to women. This poem is based on the story of the woman at the well from John 4.

I learned to see myself
through their gaze
a useful object
or a cautionary tale
my worth measured
by the weight I carry

I carry it well
in this one-well town
balanced on my hips just right
I can’t afford any softness
I suffer the heat
To avoid theirs

the sweaty stranger at noon
throws off this balance
asks for a drink
talking about a better well
says if I only knew him better
I’d be the one asking

I call his bluff
rebuffing hope
then he calls mine
five husbands going on six?
I set down the water jar
steeled for the shame

but his knowing look
piercing despair
tells me he knows
what men have wrought
and warped in me
behind closed doors

undistracted,
he cares nothing about wars
over where to worship
but about the how and whom
Messiah will sort it, I say
deferring the hope

“I am HE,” he replies
bringing it here

Later I would learn of
countless wonders
from his hands
but for me it only took
hope of the ages
talking to me

And the dam breaks
quenching
soaking
soothing
I am set loose with the joy
mirrored in His face

“Come! Meet a man
who told me everything I ever did”
I run to tell my cast-off people
of the man
next to my water jar
still by the well

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isa 12:3 ESV)

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” (Isa 44:3 ESV)

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” (Isa 55:1-3 ESV)

COPYRIGHT/USAGE: All writing, artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws. Please do not repost or resell on another website. I’m happy for you to use my coloring pages and other printables for home, school, and ministry. If you share content, please link back to the original post. Thank you!

P.S. If you love the art, you can buy an print here:

COPYRIGHT: All poetry, artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws.  My printables can be used for home, school, church, or ministry. Please do not repost on another website. For other uses, please contact me.

John 4 the woman at the well