Black Diamond

by Brian Aird

It was heat infernal, long ago
That melted rocks in caverns deep
Where presses made a precious glow
That lovers gave for you to keep

Cold these stones from beneath the earth
Their fire trapped in sparkling light
Colder still the greed that rigs their dearth
To raise their value in our sight

Now commerce has a brand new lever
With natures treasures truly faked
For loved ones gone are kept forever
As gems synthetic in ovens baked

But will you really feel quite right
Bedecked in life stilled as night?