Daddy’s Toenails
They were like washed up shells,
the sea foam still clinging to the rough tips,
all worn and cracked unevenly,
the edges tinted dandelion.
Sometimes I couldn’t look.
He said they were damaged from basketball.
Mama was brave to let them go like that.
I think it was because Daddy was so handsome,
and grown-ups can still love each other
even when they have ugly things about them.
She kissed Daddy’s cheek –
basketball was good for his heart.
It’s been some time since I’ve seen them,
but I’ll bet Daddy bought some nice creams or something,
‘cause most women wouldn’t be so forgiving.
