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

Adeline Foster

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-s-diamond/