A: Internal Reflections in Gems

I.

Zircon, the Matara diamond,
your glint is metamict;
ancient artisans you never conned

knew your mongrel spectrum, picked
you out from grey-blue
and orange stones, yellow light-flecked.

You're a reticent gem; I cannot see through
to your tawny mind, your fogged thoughts.
Only tint-innocent you flash vulnerable truths.

II.

Peridot's lustre is best caught
in cut pendeloques;
apple green facets square-wraught

Like window's to the rock's
soul, whispering subtle flames
like love secrets, private jokes

In an oily glow, put to shame
by emerald's more celebrated light,
you still maintain

a smudgy dignity, browned olivine