Imperfect Brilliance

Slicing every Tuesday with some great  friends/writers
I've never met, but I'm getting to know
at http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/

My jaggedness and roughness
tamed by time.
No longer sharp and cutting;
rounded and smooth
I bask in nature's splendor
as the water rushes over me.

My beauty not striking,
unless falling upon me,
the sun's radiance
in her generosity
reveals my shimmering brilliance,
catching your eye
and so you scoop me up.

You examine me.
Multi-faceted--complex,
my other side revealed.
My jaggedness protrudes,
rough to your touch,
rugged and unfinished;
my striking imperfections
no longer concealed.

I am the river stone.
Time has softened me
My defenses are down.
Here I lie in my imperfect brilliance.

I am the river stone,
not completely smoothed
my sharp words cut
my beauty concealed--
my imperfections revealed,
I am not done.

I hold my river stone;
we are one.
My quest is complete.
I clutch my river stone
Not wanting to let go.

I drop my river stone,
no longer my own,
waiting for the purifying water
to rush over me
cleansing my soul,
and softening my edges
once again.