Sand.

Remnants of mountains
ground from cold heights,
carried on glacial currents
‘til summers finally returned.
Left in footprints of retreat
as beds of inland seas
until eras of evaporation
returned to dry the land.

Glitters under sun and moon
turned to liquid over fire,
shaped, colored and cooled
as beads or simple bowls.

Panels, exquisitely stained,
clear glazes to see outside,
decanters and tall tankards
with handles to grip and tip.
Vessels for fine malted grains
blended in bittersweet hops,
polished for rich foam deposits
on wet lips of smiling good cheer.

Skoal!

Casey Mack (2008)