NAILS

Nails

I painted my nails today,

it’s been a long time.

That dirty smell of acetone and polish.

My mother’s least favorite.

Black color, the darkest shade,

like witch nails.

My mother’s least favorite.

Long nails, an ugly look,

and pretending to be someone else.

My mother’s least favorite.

Not style,

but rebellion.

Not polish,

but rebellion.

My mother’s least favorite.

For every insult I stayed quiet through,

every night I cried,

every moment I felt hate,

a darker color.

My mother’s least favorite.

Short, colorless, quiet,

obedient, clean,

devout, good.

My mother’s favorite.