A gem is just

an ordinary stone,

lying somewhere unknown,

until it is gazed upon

by eyes that know its true value,

and brought to light

to be polished

until it shines bright.

Friend, you seem to be in great Despair
You probably are in need of gentle care.
Great sorrows, alone you bear.
Hiding it from me isn't fair.
With me, your problems, you can share,
Oh dear, for you, I'll always be there

Seems like it's a dreadful day,
       Every light has faded away.
      Then darkness begins to say,
"I am following you, on your way."

The cold breeze whispers in your ear,
    "Oh sad soul, I will be staying here
Down your cheeks, every drop of tear,
        Explicitly shows out your fear."

    Experiencing a frightening dream,
   With excruciating pain you scream.
       Sorrow lingers in your mind.
   To help you heal, no one you find.

Your grieves, you hide,
Concealed you keep,
When problems are wide
And pains so deep.
If you have sorrow inside,
You can weep.
If you are so tired,
Go and sleep.

When two poets put their heads together
And pull out their pens to write
There’s no way to know the direction they’ll go
When it comes to the rhythm and rhyme

They could write about a simple theme
Or a deep one that makes you think
Their words might make you beam
Or take you to sorrow’s brink

Whatever they decide to confide
In this melding of the minds
It’s sure to indeed make you think
Or at least bring you closer to the light

When their words roll into sentences
You’ll be carried along on a magical tide
And surely when the end arrives
You’ll be glad you came along for the ride

By Mike Hauser and Mfena Ortswen