[Living within Me] by Danielle M. Schalk

I am the pearl

formed ‘round the grit

that did ache

within the mouths

of my forebearers

Transformed

encased

transmuted

to create

fine treasure

from inflaming irritant

Shaped so

to roll ‘bout upon the pallet

before being spat free

revealing an object

of inherent luminosity

Streams of light

dance o’er its surface

indicative of

all who carried it

those generations within me

finally learning to be free

Such is the light I see

[Living within me]