Gemstone

I am
not a diamond
found
in the rough to be
polished, cut
into precious worth

nor am I an opal, black
onyx, or jade
to adorn your arm
when we mingle with
your friends for you to make them
envious

I am not
the rarest stone
to be set under glass
or lock and key

I am
not to be handled,
rather
you should
softly hold my fingertips
as I learn to
breathe,
inhaling the fragrance
my own style
becoming a worthwhile
gemstone
through the erosion
of life.

I am a
gem of un-
explored qualities
that you must allow to
shine in my
own special way