Beautiful
               by Suzanna Post (neustrom@omni.cc.purdue.edu)

When I think of your beauty,
I remember sweaty rooftops
shimmering with laughter,
and eyes shining with
soft-spoken merriment.

When I think of your beauty,
I remember stars twinkling
and sweet smelling flowers
on a balmy summer night.

When I think of your beauty,
I remember scarlet autumn,
robed with cool majesty,
whispering promises of
sparkling whiteness.

But this is not what
your beauty truly is.

Your beauty is
in your eyes,
even when I'm so blind.

Your beauty is
in your voice,
even when words are harsh.

Your beauty is
in your touch,
even when it breaks me.

I can never shut it out.
I can never own it.
I can never stop needing it.

But I can love you,
not for who I see,
but for who you are...
a continuously unfolding
life, breathing of
untold delights.
Forever hidden,
always existing,
and eternally
beautiful.