the beauty within

the surface ravaged

stripped bare

of it's inherent beauty

rock and dust and debris

litters a hard and barren landscape

darkness and despair

seemingly rule the day

but the truth lies
more deeply within

a beauty often covered over
hidden from view
not seen at first glance

but visible to those

willing to be present
to walk and to watch and to pray
to take a look beneath the surface

into the very heart and soul
of this rugged exterior

there is a light that shines
in this darkness

one that comes from deep within

from a heart filled with love

beating with the lifeblood

of goodness and hope

fueled by the fires of the Spirit

overflowing with kindness
and compassion

and love Divine

this is true beauty

thoughtful and genuine

rooted and determined
present and lasting
costly and precious

not fleeting or superficial

but shining forth from

the deepest places of the heart

a treasure hidden in the field
the beauty within