She was blackened, caked with dirt.The residue surrounding her was hard to remove.
The metallic jaws crushed and crushed.
She cried out in pain.
The dirt, caked and blackened began to fall away.
Next the chisel chipped and chipped.
Her screams were relentless.
All day, all night.
Day after day. Night after night.
Week after week, month after month.
She howled in despair, winced at every turn.
But still the work continued.
At last she shone.
Rays of beauty fell upon the blackened dirt scattered on the floor.
In their disgrace they could only shine in the midst of her perfection.
She was a diamond brought out of the rough.
Settled in the midst of pure refined gold.
