Internal Worth

People judge others by appearance

Their hair and clothing, their color of skin

Where did they learn such incoherence?

What’s outside matters less than what’s within

A precious jewel is of little surprise

Inside a box with plush velvet-lining

But its value you’d be unlikely to surmise

Inside a box that’s less than shining

Likewise the thing of little worth

Does not gain value fancy dressed

No silken garb found here on Earth

Will elevate what is unblessed

A diamond in the ground is rough

The way it looks won’t catch your eyes

But its nature is shining and tough

And its value is quite plain to the wise