Don't give me diamonds although I love
Their sparkle and their hue.
Friend, if you wish to bestow a gift,
Give me the gift of you.
Don't give me sapphires although I esteem
Their dazzling shade of blue.
Listen and hear and give if you please
The wonderful gift of you.
Don't bring me rubies although I admire
Their deep undertones of red.
Keep all your jewels and bring to me
The gift of you instead.
The only true gift is the gift of you.
Diamonds and rubies will never do.
They're just a weak apology
For the real gift that was meant to be.
He gives nothing who gives not of his heart.
Though his gift may appease, it can never impart,
The warmth that comes from a human soul.
T'is far greater than any gem I know.
1999 by Karen Mester
Kiki,
I have always loved this poem and am glad you are sharing it with others. I did see a couple of typos that you might want to edit. (shad instead of shade and ad instead of and)If you log into wordpress and go to this post, you should see the edit button on top and be able to fix it. I’m so glad God gave me the gift of you!