I am not Pretty

I am not pretty she said
As she lay weakly in her bed
My mother told me so
And surely she would know

But I shake my head in disbelief
Pained to see her grief
In quiet words I state what’s true
I see nothing but beauty when I see you

You are clothed in gentleness
A gown of love and kindness
A crown of peace and joy you wear
A faith you never fail to share
Eyes that glow with the kindest thought
A beauty that can never be bought

And now even as you are stripped of dignity
You are so much more than simply pretty
You are mother wife and friend
Beautiful to them beyond all measure
To each of them indeed a treasure.