Old Enough

She had an elegance that belied her youthful eight years.

Maya carefully adjusted her violet colored scarf which adorned her head.

Akima, her mother, entered her room greeting her daughter with a smile of morning cheer.

Time to get the days water mother Akima smiled.

Am I just to follow along said Maya with a slight tear.

No Maya you are old enough to carry a jar on your head for awhile.

Maya smiled and thought I was waiting for this responsibility for the past few years.

Maya and Akima then went into their kitchen area and picked up a couple of jars.

The two then started their walk towards the village well.

A line already formed at the village well with mainly women coming from near and far.

Maya and Akima arrived in line as the area with villagers started to swell.

Maya stood proudly with her mother as she waited patiently in line.

Since she was two, she wanted to carry water like her mother---Maya thought she waited for this day a long time.

As they moved up closer to the well, her mother Akima gave her a hug.

Akima said "since you waited patiently for this day---you name dinner my love"

Maya's eyes twinkled as the well person said next and they stepped forward.

Akima presented her jar first as the well person poured.

As Akima took her jar away---Maya stepped up.

Maya smiled and said "this is my first jar carrying day".

The well person smiled and filled her jar up.

He smiled at Maya and said "Congratulations little one for being old enough!"