Almost mystic stone, precious
Since time began,
Jewel for the Queen's throne
In dusty Ur,
Pigment for Mary's gown
In medieval icons,
Gleaming glaze
On minaret tiles
In Herat and Isfahan,
Glowing blue, flecked
With gray and gold
Like an Afghan girl's eyes,
Now here on my freckled wrist
In a simple bracelet
Strung with love
Just for me.