What pisses you off
is that you looked at me
and saw a diamond
in the rough—
the potential or whatever else
may be there
but me, I have
my reservations about it
I took the diamond
and threw it down
in the sand
erosion might have
carried it to sea
crabs might have grabbed it
it might be buried
right under your feet
but nonetheless
you can not find it
the jewelers will not
shape and mold me
into a perfect fit
I’m not a pretty rock
you can turn into
a glittering souvenir
to proudly wear
and show off to all your friends
I’m a course, rough edged stone
but if you had thrown me to sea
I probably would have
floated back to you
anyhow
beautiful imperfections
fully in tow
1-10-96