Jewel

By Mildred Barthel

Study it,

Turn it round and round,

Look at it in the glare of noon.

It started with its own peculiar abrasiveness

That has taken years of honing and

Mind-wearing and finger-wearing effort

To exact the delicate and

Detailed design you are examining.

That’s it.

Hunt each facet,

Noticing the glow is from within.

See how it hangs there on seemingly

Endless golden links,

Having learned to complement its environment.

And it wears well,

As a family should.