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