PEARL

 Matthew said: "...neither cast ye your pearls before swine,
 lest they trample them under their feet, 
and turn again and rend you."

Pearl was born in the darkness of poverty. 
Her daddy was dead and her mother, too tired.
The struggles were real. There was never enough.
Then her mother sickened and died.

Pearl grew up too fast for comfort.
Her siblings drifted off into crime and penalty.
She needed a port in life's storm.
Instead, a coach served to save her.

Pearl found salvation by singing at the station.
Passersby would toss few coins in her case.
She wrote her own songs, and sometimes,
people would listen.

Late one afternoon, 
a suited man stopped before her.
He frowned yet seemed anxious.
Then, anger reddened his face.

The man blurted out: "Why do you cast your pearls before swine, my dear? You're better than this! You should be in a concert hall."

Smiling wryly, Pearl sang another song.
This one spoke of lost chances, no contacts, no hope.
Nodding, the man gave her his card:
Wilfred P. Buckle-Thorpe was his name.
 

 "You can call me Willy. What's your name?" 

 "It's funny you should speak of swine. My name is Pearl."

Willy brought fame and good fortune to Pearl.
She traveled the world giving concerts.
They kept in touch until Willy retired.
Sadly, he died the next day.

And Pearl... where is she now?
She's living well in Paris. 
She's happy. She's a pearl of great value.
And the swine? They pay to hear her sing.

©Ellen Pepper 2026