One by one, I rip off the

Glossy red gel that coats my nails.

Underneath, the soft pink has given way to white

As the polish tears away the calcium that gives it its color.

 

Four fingers down, six to go.

I wonder if I should stop.

I’ve only had them on for two weeks, after all.

But that’s one week more than I did before.

 

Besides, it’s better for my nails to be free.

Then I can paint them whatever color

I want them to be.