She is seen. She is not hidden beind the dust. She is there in the scorching sun. She smells like the soil planted beneath her. Her bright sage green eyes move like a leaf in the breeze. She is beautiful. Her skin is soft and her complexion is strong. She looks at you in a way that makes you feel as if you have been struck down by a thousand arrows. The dark coffee-colored hair on her head is covered with tattered clothing. Even though her clothing may be threadbare, it is still intact. The coffee hair is seen through the holes and outlines her head. How can someone who comes from nothing, have so much to behold?

            She rises each morning with the sun at her side. On rare occasions, she and the sun will race to see the dawn and she will wake up extra early to win. As she is walking along the short hall of her home, she tiptoes cautiously to not wake her family. In fact, one stumble could possibly wake her whole village! Her feet finally cross the door and she is out of her house. The cool dirt holds her feet. She always enjoys the mornings when she beats the sun to the day.

            She has a plan, a mission, to be the first to tell the world good morning. She walks several feet, and she passes the few remaining small homes. On the outside, they may seem insignificant, but on the inside there are people who mean more to her than gold. She stands at the edge of a wooden gate where the animals stay. She inhales a musty smell that others might not like, but she looks forward to the scent each day. She takes her time spending a moment with each animal. The goats, chickens, and cows look to her in admiration. She runs her hand down their backs, getting rid of any dirt left there. She values all life, and they are grateful. She says goodbye and resumes her mission.

            She takes her time walking to her final stop of the morning. This walk will take a little longer, but she doesn’t mind. The rocky dirt slowly transforms into soft grass. Her feet feel as if they are walking on silk. Up the hill, she walks and the excitement starts to rise inside of her. She uses all her might to reach the hill’s peak. It’s not a particularly large hill, but the height allows a person to peek into the beauty of the horizon. All is in a gloom but then a beautiful glow leaks from the sky as it transfers to a vibrant orange and yellow. The sky turns ablaze like a fire on a summer night. She watches the light stretch across the mountains and plains until it reaches her face. Her smooth skin begins to feel warm, and she feels peace inside of her.

            In the silence, she recognizes small movements in the grass. A small speck of fear sits on her shoulder, but her mind flicks it away. She knows that she is protected and nothing can scare her away from true peace. Ever so slightly, she turns around and you see her. You see her coffee-colored hair in her torn clothing, the strong complexion, and the beautiful sage green eyes staring into you. Her village behind you, they are presenting you their jewel. She doesn’t smile; she just looks at you while the bright sun is behind her like a crown on her head. This woman has strived to do her very best. She is there, she sees you.