Bright Pink
She moves quickly
Through the darkened streets,
Quick and furtive,
Eyes down avoiding
The others making their way
In the graying gloom.
Her key in the lock-
‘I’m home’
Then rushes past the doorway.
‘Come here!’
The demand from the kitchen.
Where have you been and who with-
Don’t want you doing nothing with that bunch!
The words stupid, no good, ugly
Follow her from the room.
Head shaking the sharp tears from her eyes,
She runs up the stairs,
Closing the door to the bathroom.
Peeling off the shapeless sweater,
She starts the bath,
The gray uniform removed,
She slips in the hot water.
Peeking out of the suds,
Toenails painted bright pink-
She smiles.
Written for the DVerse poetry prompt about rebels or rebellion. Just made me think of the little rebellions in each life – even if they can’t be seen.
The Course of Our Seasons 
Love the small rebellion, but such a powerfully sad story. And wonderfully written!
Thanks, Sarah – I appreciate that so much! K
Oh, have so been there…love the pink varnish she wears! Powerful & moving for me x
Thanks Louise – it means so much for you to say. K
In a life that forces you into the gray of shadows, scream color loudly! I love it!
I am so happy you liked it – thanks! K
an aspect of life caught well
Thank you so much. K
Yes, this is super charming. Thanks. k.
k – thanks – happy you dropped by! K
I could really see that smile at the end….and those pink toenails. Well done.
Thanks – and happy birthday! K
The power of pink toenails is not to be underestimated. This really made me smile.
There is just something about a secret you keep for yourself! – Thanks so much – K
Intense emotion. “Peeling of the shapeless sweater,” is my favorite—it says so much.
Thanks so much, Jessica. I am happy you liked this. K
… and you summed up those teenage yrs perfectly!
Thanks, Laurie! K
Really enjoyed this. Called ‘ugly’ but here she is with those beautiful pink toenails. Beautiful indeed in that bath!
Thanks Mary – so happy you liked it! K
Sometimes taking control of the small things in our lives is enough to drive those who want to control us wild – it’s a great from of rebellion. Lovely, emotionally powerful piece of writing.
Wow – thanks, Tony. I am so happy that you were moved by it. I agree – sometimes its the little rebellions that make the difference. K
Oh really cheeky at the end but some great emotion and depth too, love this.
Thank you so much.
whew…some hard emotion in the coming home like that…a harsh reality…i like how you layer this…the formless sweater….the hard interaction …it all leads up well to her little bit of control…and rebellion…smiles….
Thanks, Brian, I hoped it was a sharp contrast. I appreciate your thoughtful words. K
I love the rebellion of the toenail polish. beautiful (and sad) poem.
Thanks, Susan. K
ha nice…there IS rebellion is painting the toe nails pink…just to escape grey uniformity…love this kathleen
Thanks, Claudia, that means alot. K