TRUE BEAUTY

True Beauty is so elusive
That which comes from within
Shines through no matter what
It is not the surface where it begins

To see true beauty
One has to have open eyes
Through the soul one can find
Beauty that lasts
This is what shines for all of time

So few see the lovely, the true
Too consumed with what is outside
Understanding the luminous
Seeing for ourselves
One has to go deeper

Sometimes it is gentle
Sometimes it is fierce
Sometimes it is both
Combined with a spirit so unyielding

Then there is beauty from age
Wisdom seen throughout
A beautiful reminder of life's journeys
What a joy to behold

A radiant beauty
Comes from so many kinds
No matter the surface
Shining through one can see
What is real, the soul to be

Gifts of passion
Of those who give more of themselves
Who adore the lush tapestry
Weaved from a life well lived

From within the depths
Compassion, heart, empathy
Wrapped up into the person
One can see only if one looks
Really sees the whole lovely being

Your own vision is the only one
It is the one that counts
For what you see
When you go beyond the superficial
Really see the one who is before you

For all of time
What is left behind when we are gone
What will be remembered of you, of me
Will it be the surface
Or the memory of the good deeds
When your spirit is set free