All That Glitters

Most women, not all, but a large enough group,
Are alike in that each one is born
With a seed that will grow, with a nurturing hand,
To a penchant and need to adorn.

On birthdays, engagements, and other such times
The gift de rigueur still remains
An item of jewelry, proffered to prove
All the love that the giver sustains.

Whether silver or gold or with sparkling gems,
Most expensive or costing a sou,
A necklace or ring or a bracelet imparts
Permanence, like an inkless tattoo.

Of course, females don’t have to just wait for a gift;
Most often they’re out on the prowl,
And at craft fairs or counters where jewelry’s displayed,
They’re assessing, with smile or with scowl.

Oh, these earrings, so dangly, sure perk up my mood,
Or this watch does much more than tell time;
And this choker’s so special I can’t walk away –
Why, it even inspired this rhyme!

So we hunt and we look and debate on the price,
And we preen at the mirror’s reflection,
Wondering if this particular piece
Will enhance our expanding collection.

Do we need it? Of course not, that isn’t the point,
Though our reasons may seem like a mystery.
The ancient Egyptians had jewels galore;
The precedent’s right there in history.

And thus we continue to search and explore;
There’s such beautiful stuff to consider.
If we can afford it, there’s reason to add
One more item to make ourselves glitter.