Looking in the mirror, there is a lump of coal,

dull, black, hideous to the eye.

Inside my heart is confidence, but also shame.

I blame myself, I always do.

Lustrous gems tell me otherwise.

They say I am beautiful - 

it's not enough.

They say I am strong - 

it's not enough.

They say I am amazing - 

it's not enough.

They say I am loved - 

it's not enough, because I don't feel it.

I envy what others have and I don't,

the marvelous glow of sapphire, amber, and peridot,

anything I could ever desire to be, in front of me,

but my carbon-self could never suffice.

But, one day, unlike the rest,

I wondered if it was all just in my head.

Forgetting the blame, the shame, the screams, and the cries,

I listened to the truth inside:

"I am unique, and that is beauty in itself,"

my heart of hold spoke to me.

My passion inside engulfed me in flames - 

from all of the heat of my darkest times,

all of the lies in my mind,

and the carbon defining me.

And when I looked into the mirror,

when all was done,

I saw a diamond at long last.