The Gems
Thank you
to all of the gems
in life
Those that innocently
sparkle joy
at any age
The jewels mishandled,
but somehow
still shining
The unpolished natural gems
that quietly
hold no pretensions
The big and the bold
set in gold or platinum,
delighting in attention
The warm ones
that glow softly
with kindness
The precious ones
here for a short time,
their luster reflected in memory
The deep-pressed diamonds
who discover their worth
only under duress
The cold beauties,
harsh-edged
and full of pain
The clear deep stones
unwavering
in any weather
Every cut and color in creation,
each facet reflecting
under the sun