In me cried a silent need; <br />I knew not what it was. <br />All around I heard men plead <br />And croon the need of love. <br />'What is this precious gem, ' I ask, <br />'And where can it be found? ' <br />Both fools and wise men make reply <br />And clamor to expound. <br />Some said twas found in little things <br />That make our life worthwhile. <br />Others said it was desire <br />Yet could not reconcile <br />Why it should burn out like a fire <br />When that desire was spent. <br />Like a diamond's living gleam, <br />Love should be permanent. <br />'You ask too much, ' the fool replied, <br />'For love is all around. <br />It need not stand the test of time <br />Nor smoulder in the ground. <br />Who knows what angry heat or cold <br />A diamond must withstand. <br />Other gems are dazzling <br />And serve the hearts of man. <br />Should one loose its luster <br />There are more to be found. <br />Not all men need traverse <br />The diamond's arduous ground.' <br />Could this be the reason <br />For man's continuous plea? <br />Has he perceived the genuine <br />In a facsimile? <br />Impatience for a liaison, <br />It is false gems men crave. <br />Leave acquisition of the genuine <br />To the patient and the brave. <br />For while men seek a diamond, <br />They settle for mere glass <br />Then claim the price of diamonds <br />More than the gods would ask<br /><br />Adeline Foster<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-s-diamond/
