Diamonds and Black Velvet

Diamonds displayed
on black velvet-
the jeweler knows
the importance
of showcasing
such sharp contrasts.
(it is the inky
darkness
that highlights each
gem's inner fire...)

And I recall
that it was years
ago,
in a church
in Denver
when I first heard
this striking
metaphor.
A barrio youth
spoke of his prison
memoir
mentioning transformation
-the emergence of Light
and how the sudden
illumination
is all the more stunning
-precious
when contrasted
against a background
of utter
unmerciful
darkness.

I think of loss,
of dysfunctional
families
and the resultant
fallout,
the aftershocks...
And I find it amazing
a paradox
how the same things
that grind us down
can also build us
up-
and how that, which ravages
also strengthens...
It's all about resilience-
the gist of the saying,
"That which doesn't kill..."
all of this
and diamonds
on black velvet-
an image 
so visually 
exquisite-
a metaphor
unforgettable.