GEMS

THE GEM CUTTER

By Keesa Wynne

White diamonds, precious gems;

Appearances were vital to him.

All his life, he sought a gem of exquisite rarity:

Perfect weight, cut, color and clarity.

A brilliant bauble that would make his heart swirl.

His life changed, the day he met the beautiful black pearl.

He marveled at the pearl’s brilliance;

He admired the pearl’s resilience.

Its color - darker than the darkest night.

Its luster splendidly danced in the light.

The Gem Cutter had discovered many a stone;

This mysterious miracle he had to own.

But the asking price was a non-starter.

He desperately tried to barter.

The trader refused to piddle.

There would be no meeting in the middle.

The Gem Cutter could walk or meet the terms.

For the rarest of gems, the price was firm.

The Gem Cutter felt his heart suddenly sink;

What would the other collectors think?

He had been taught immediately from birth

That only diamonds held their worth.

What would his life become,

If he paid this handsome sum?

He would be extremely foolish to neglect

That he had his reputation to protect.

The black pearl was just too great of a gamble.

It could leave his life in utter shambles.

So, with one last tender trace,

The Gem Cutter placed his cherished treasure back in its case.