A Broken Clay Pot

I heard the broken fragments lamenting:
"Metal vessels can be hammered out whole,
Broken glass can be melted and recast.
What good is a broken clay pot?"

Once I sat proud on the potter's shelf--
perfect exemplar of the potter's art
shapely and bright-glazed was I!
What good is a broken clay pot?

Once I was an ornament of the king's court.
Every day I was filled with fresh water
and orange blossoms by the queen's own hand.
What good is a broken clay pot?"

A poor man passed the back gate of the palace
and knelt to gather the jewel-bright fragments.
Passers-by laughed: "Look at the fool!
What good is a broken clay pot?"

On a wall in a humble quarter of town,
bright colors adorn a fantastic mosaic.
Dragons, peacocks and flaming roses!
What good is a broken clay pot?