She’s got a handle on it

Maggie Devers

She won’t let me clean the dirt from under her nails

She holds onto it as a matter of distinction,

An indication of her interests.

The grey, opaque polish covers it completely

But not the pink sparkles.

Both will degrade equally

To reveal the dark line still in place,

But this will take a day or two.

Now it’s time for bed

Sleep well, I tell her

Her response,

I will!

Rings of with the certainty

Of fresh nails.

More from Maggie Devers ↓

• Read my debut poetry book, For My Daughter
• Follow me on Instagram for more poetry @rembrandts.cure