I have re-worked this earlier posting; has my editing improved the final result?

What a beautiful compliment to pay to an object which is loved so much. Maybe the fault lines stand out a bit but it will still hold that precious liquid This poem could just as well apply to a husband or a wife, who though old and somewhat time worn, are just as precious now as the day you first met. In fact I would suggest that the original is symbolic of a well worn love affair.

I do prefer this version. The poem is short, but long on metaphor. 'Clay' is the substance with which both the poet and the cup were created. It is not an elegant cup but a cracked blue mug, damaged through experience as the poet has been damaged by life. However, it is "familiar as an old lover," through shared and "bitter" experience, still holding its heat. The poet is content with it. She will keep it for all they have shared, rather than trade it for a new one that has not shared her life experience.

I am much happier. A good workmanlike (workPERSONlike?) poem. The poetic match to the mug it praises.

yes. The beginning two and ending two seem to frame the body, and the entire rolls from the mouth easily. nice!