Here’s my little seasonal spin on a paint chip poetry prompt during last week’s Ethical ELA Open Write, hosted by Seana Hurd.
The very instant I learned the name of this nail polish, it was begging to be in a poem…
Lincoln Park After Dark
Told the nail technician I’d like dark red
for fall you, know. Here’s what she said:
“No no no. Try this instead.”
Lincoln Park After Dark
Whoa, wait a second – is that black?
Will folks think I’m goth? Or cracked?
Too old for Halloweenish wack?
Lincoln Park After Dark
—turns out to be deep purple, friends
a bit Beaujolais or raisin; it depends
on the light and where perception ends.
Lincoln Park After Dark
As the tech painted these nails of mine
she offered this “intrickate” design:
a spiderweb, but I drew the line.
Lincoln Park After Dark
is enough on its own, you see.
Already I am cloaked in mystery
my mind off on a midnight spree
(with autumnal specters watching me
a-walkin’)
Lincoln Park After Dark
*******
with thanks to:
Two Writing Teachers for the Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge
the nail tech who suggested this magical color
and the poet-friends at Ethical ELA
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lit bits and pieces 
Your tech is certainly right that this is ONE amazing and powerful color to go along with the strong season we are in the midst of right now! I would love to do this one on my toes!
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I think I need to write a poem about my next nail color. I love “Beaujolais or raisin” comparison. Wine or food? Will they think you goth? Ha! I hope you continue to enjoy your nails. Fun poem.
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I’m in awe still of your adventurous spirit when it comes to nail polish color – – I often have trouble making a break from what I normally would have selected. I get a better feel for the color when you call it raisin and explain it depends on the way the light hits it. I’m with you – – I probably wouldn’t have gone with the little ghosts either, but I’m partial to them because I love a good ghost story and ghostly feel and, well, Boo too. I’m a fan of the purple-gray colors. I might try Lincoln Park if I go for a pedicure this coming week. That would be fun twinning in the twin Zs.
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Kim, here’s a thought: try Lincoln Park on the tips only, if you’re hesitant! It’s beautifully shiny and I love it, more than I expected. Also beautiful on toes. Goes with everything. So fun to think of us twinning in our twin Z towns 🤩
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It is a magical color. Naming paint or nail color would be such a fun job!
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With all of the fabulous nail polish colors out there, how have I never thought to write a poem about one of them?! You’ve inspired me, Fran!
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I noticed this polish right away in Sunday School! 🖤
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