Little Diamond

(Dialogue between a stone cutter and an uncut diamond) A clever craftsman casts his gaze upon the rocky ground. An uncut diamond safely lies with others all around. "Little diamond," (quoth the man), "What do you desire? shall you become a polished gem that shines like liquid fire?" "With my practiced, weathered tools and time and skill (from me), your rough appearance would become a lovely entity." "From dreary stone to burnished pearl upon a lady's hand, a jeweled sea that laps upon the soft and golden sand." The stone-smith smiled at the thought of the riches he would own, if that little diamond, rough and dark became a precious stone. He dropped the diamond on the ground, and picked it up again. Bent on gaining his reward, the homeward walk began. But the little diamond doth reply, "Good sir I must concede your offer sounds most wonderful but a catch there is to heed." "Although I may become divine and cause folks to catch their breath, a simple truth renders this null for greed gives way to death." "A cultured man turns ruthless for my petty, flagrant charms. O'er wealth and riches many wars have forced men to bear arms." "A lovely gem of any kind would meet your finance crave, But please, kind sir, just leave me be my consciousness to save." With that, the diamond, rough and dark fell to the Earth once more The stone-smith, in disgust and rage returned hence nevermore.