Pearl

You are a bright and shiny pearl in a purple oyster,
As rare as the white gem and the white and rough dark purple shell.
Ah, what lovely things can arise when we
Are irritated by jagged things well
Enough to stimulate our nerves to make
A gem as lovely as a pearl – a gem
As lovely as diamonds, but made by life,
Not heat and pressure that would likely stem
From outside forces pressing down on us.
Instead, purple life brings into the light
A pearly white reflecting more than we
Can understand, our feelings, taste, and sight
Just not enough to let us come to know
How much we need pain to make beautiful
People, pale pearls, and paintings to grow.