The 'Curse'

Tenderly, quietly she slipped into the world

Precious little one, so full of life

Treasured, admired covered by angels wings

A Heavenly Father's great Love

A mother's radiance, an earthly father's pride

But wisdom spoke to hide the jewel

Lest a jealous world seek to devour

Better stigma than exploitation

Covered from then on she was

Shrouded in mystery

Tucked away, marked for life

New home fresh country, unfamiliar voices

Safety there, no one to remember

Seasons change, moon, stars in their courses

Out into the world she went

Veiled and feared but fearless and gentle

Abused at school and in the streets

By firelight in the safety of home

There were many deep questions

"Am I really a monster, father?"

"Your curse is a blessing, my child

One they do not understand

You are special to God, it is enough

They would hurt you if they saw your face

One day, there will be one for you

One who can see the blessing of it"

Brave boy, and handsome, comes along

He seeks a friend, he knows the heart

A friend, a protector, a companion

Enduring vicious words at her side

Standing strong with her daily

Carrying her books home from school

Pelted with rocks to defend her

Understanding and compassion grow

Love and truth take root

Youth and its forces cannot turn him

He is true...the father watches

Then one day he comes

"May I have her for my own?"

"No, my son, she is cursed

You do not understand"

"But I do, I know her and love her

I care not for the form

It's what's inside that I want

Her heart I wish knit to my own

I will treasure her if you will let me

I already do, always will"

"The choice is yours, then

She is yours, if she will have you"

"Receive him, Child, he is the one

God has remembered you

I give you my blessing"

Matrimony and gratitude

A village alive with dance and song

But the crowd whispers

Why? How?

Such a splendid boy?

Why the monster?

Home together at last

Finally alone

Candlelight, tenderness, anticipation

The moment of truth

"Let me take your veil, love"

"Surely it is better I keep it"

"No, I want all of you

You are mine now, I want to see you"

Truth and openness, finally

What a revelation!

Radiance, beauty unmeasured

The world would have sought to steal it

To parade her for their spoils

But Wisdom had kept her secret

Preserved for the worthy

Set apart for life

Uncovered to shine

Beauty like Esther unveiled

And a young man who dared to love

Becomes a proud husband

To the most beautiful woman on earth

Stephen Pursell, 10/19/02