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.