In the Rough

I happened upon a gem
while I wasn’t even looking.
Her glimmer caught my eye
like the moon’s indelible imprint on the night sky.
Looking closer, I noticed her multitude
of facets, each as exquisitely crafted
as the last.
Here and there, one may find a blemish
or a fracture
or a chip,
but no gem is without flaw,
and even diamonds come from lumps of coal.
She is still more beautiful
and valuable as any treasure,
but she is no mere object
to be desired and hoarded.
She is a gift,
to be loved and cherished
for everything that she is.