Pearl

You are a smooth and iridescent pearl
Within a purple oyster that's as rare
As the white gem, the white, rough 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 meant to grow.