India - A Beauty Unmatched

The atmosphere was hyped, the citizens were zealous

As their queen ascended to wear her crown

Embedded in it, was a stone so precious

Which would only make her enemies frown

Some couldn't understand how it touched her soul

Or why it gave her immense pleasure

After all, it is just a piece of charcoal

Which refused to succumb to the pressure

The soldiers took pride in its protection

The miners toiled all day to excavate

It came in different shapes and descriptions

And was something others wanted to emulate

Such is a diamond, such is our community

So ancient, yet they age like wine

Distinct, but with an element of unity

And the people have shaped it so fine

It reflects our folklore, in myriad ways

It refracts our modern values

It disperses love, even in the darkest of days

It deserves more than just a salute.